Newcastle Laboratories

Cryoglobulins

Clinical Background:

Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins which precipitate when cooled below 37oC.  They are associated with a wide spectrum of disorders.  Type I cryoglobulins are monoclonal proteins and are associated ...

Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins which precipitate when cooled below 37oC.  They are associated with a wide spectrum of disorders.  Type I cryoglobulins are monoclonal proteins and are associated with lymphoid malignancies including Myeloma and Waldenstroms Macroglobulinaemia.  Type II are usually monoclonal and found in infections (especially Hepatitis C Virus) and connective tissue diseases.  Type III are usually polyclonal and again are found with infections and connective tissue disease. 

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Immunology

    Immunology

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Serum-Plain tube

    Serum-Plain tube

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Serum-Plain tube

    Serum-Plain tube

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    6 ml

    6 ml

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    6 ml

    6 ml

  • Special Requirement:

    The sample must be incubated for at least 1 hour after it is received in the laboratory to allow a clot to form. Samples should therefore not be received in the laboratory after 15:00.

    The sample must be incubated for at least 1 hour after it is received in the laboratory to allow a clot to form. Samples should therefore not be received in the laboratory after 15:00.

  • Freq Analysis:

    As required

    As required

  • Add On Test:

    Cannot be added on due to specific sample requirements

    Cannot be added on due to specific sample requirements

  • Interpretation:

    Cryoglobulin measurement is dependant on the patient's blood sample remaining at 37°C until the serum has been separated from the clot as some cryoglobulins precipitate out just a few degrees below...

    Cryoglobulin measurement is dependant on the patient's blood sample remaining at 37°C until the serum has been separated from the clot as some cryoglobulins precipitate out just a few degrees below 37°C.

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  • Reference Ranges:

    Normal Range: Cryoglobulin Not Detected

    After the serum has been separated from the clot it must be incubated at 4°C in a fridge for at least 72 hours as Cryoglobulins may take as long as this to f...

    Normal Range: Cryoglobulin Not Detected

    After the serum has been separated from the clot it must be incubated at 4°C in a fridge for at least 72 hours as Cryoglobulins may take as long as this to fully precipitate.

    Read More
  • Other Info:

    Blood samples for Cryoglobulins MUST be taken into a specimen tube pre-warmed to 37C and kept at 37C until processed. Failure to do this will result in the sample being rejected for this test. Vacu...

    Blood samples for Cryoglobulins MUST be taken into a specimen tube pre-warmed to 37C and kept at 37C until processed. Failure to do this will result in the sample being rejected for this test. Vacuum flasks containing specimen tubes kept at this temperature must be obtained from the Immunology Laboratory BEFORE taking the sample. . The sample must be incubated for at least 1 hour after it is received in the laboratory to allow a clot to form. Samples should therefore not be received in the laboratory after 15:00. Cryoglobulin measurement is dependant on the patient's blood sample remaining at 37C until the serum has been separated from the clot as some cryoglobulins precipitate out just a few degrees below 37C. After the serum has been separated from the clot it must be incubated at 4C in a fridge for at least 72 hours as Cryoglobulins may take as long as this to fully precipitate

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  • Routine Contact Name:

    Proteins Lab

  • Routine Telephone:

    0191 282 4766

    0191 282 4766

  • Routine Email:

Availability:

Call the Immunology Laboratory on 24395 to request a flask then call the porters to collect it and bring it to the room where the blood is to be taken. Use the pre-warmed tubes provided in the flask. Monday to Friday 09:00 to 15:00

Turn Around:

4 - 7 routine working days

Send To:

Department of Blood Sciences

Level 3
Leazes Wing
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4LP

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