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:
Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins which precipitate when cooled below 37°C. 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.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Specimen container adult:
Serum-Plain tube
Minimum volume paediatric:
6 ml
Minimum volume adult:
6 ml
Special requirements:
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
Add on test:
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 37°C.
Reference ranges:
Normal Range: Cryoglobulin Not DetectedAfter 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.
Other info:
Blood samples for Cryoglobulins MUST be taken into a specimen tube pre-warmed to 37°C and kept at 37°C 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 37°C until the serum has been separated from the clot as some cryoglobulins precipitate out just a few degrees below 37°C. 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