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:
Serum Immunofixation is performed automatically on any serum sample that is suspected by electrophoresis to contain a monoclonal protein, to identify the nature of the protein. It is also added to any samples in which immunoglobulins are decreased for the first time to ensure decreased immunoglobulins are not caused by the presence of a monoclonal protein. Immunofixation is also carried out to determine if a previous monoclona protein is no longer present.
Guidelines for the Interpretation and Management of Immunoglobulins and Paraproteins in Adults is available is the site resources.
Specimen container paediatric:
Not applicable
Specimen container adult:
Serum
Special requirements:
None
Availability:
Immunofixation is done on a daily basis Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:00.
Freq analysis:
Daily
Add on test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 282 4766, and must be confirmed via email to the appropriate email address
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS for MONOCLONAL PROTEIN IDENTIFICATION
IMMPROVE paraprotein quality assurance
Interpretation:
See guideline above
Reference ranges:
Not applicable