Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Cholinesterase is an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of the muscle relaxants suxamethonium (scoline) and mivacurium which shows a great deal of genetic variation. Some variants lead to an effective enzyme deficiency which impairs an individual’s ability to metabolise the drugs and leads to prolonged paralysis and apnoea.
Specimen container paediatric:
EDTA whole blood
Specimen container adult:
EDTA whole blood
Minimum volume paediatric:
5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
5 mL blood
Special requirements:
Do not collect sample while patient is still paralysed after possible scoline apnoea.
Do not send on Friday.
Sample stability:
Store sample at 4°C
Transport requirements:
Post
Reference ranges:
Provided on report from referral laboratory.
Other info:
SST serum sample also acceptable