Department

Local code : CRYO

Preferred Sample Type

Suitable Specimen Types

Serum
EDTA Whole Blood

5 mL clotted blood ( non anti-coagulated) AND 5ml EDTA whole blood.

Specimen Transport

Transported to laboratory in portable incubator at 37 C. For more information contact Immunology at Heartlands contact 42105. Good Hope Hospital contact Biochemistry 47250 or 49249, Queen Elizabeth contact Biochemistry Specimen reception 15985

Sample Processing in Laboratory

Incubator at 37 C

Sample Preparation

This assay requires both serum AND EDTA plasma samples. Samples must be taken into pre-warmed vacutainers.

Samples should be transported to laboratory in portable incubator at 37 C

Turnaround Time

10 days

Cryoglobulins

General Information

Test should be requested in patients with cold-induced skin rashes and some patients with renal and joint diseases. A low complement C4 level with or without a rheumatoid factor should also suggest a possible cryoglobulin.

Clinically significant cryoglobulins are lost if the sample is allowed to cool below body temperature even for a short period. Once the sample has clotted and is separated it may be handled as any other sample.

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

Cryoprotein Phlebotomy Instructions

Specimens requiring cryoprotein investigation MUST be taken and maintained at 37ºC until clotted and separated in the laboratory.

The samples must be returned to the laboratory within 2 hours to ensure the temperature is maintained above 37ºC.

Use of the incubator:

Remove the pre-warmed phlebotomy equipment and blood tubes from the incubator.
Place the heat packs and clear plastic lid back in place as shown below to prevent heat loss from the incubator.

incubator2

A minimum of 2 plain red top tubes (with no gel) AND 1 EDTA tube must be taken.
Samples must be taken immediately and returned to the incubator, inside the heat packs.
Seal the incubator lid and return to the laboratory immediately.

Please contact the (BHH) immunology team on ext. 42105 (0121 4242105) with any problems.

Good Hope Hospital contact Biochemistry 47250 or 49249

Queen Elizabeth contact Biochemistry specimen reception 15985

Reference Range

Negative

Specifications

EQA Scheme?: Yes
EQA Status: UKNEQAS Pilot Scheme in place