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:
Specific Microbial Antibodies are used in the investigation of suspected immune deficiency. Levels pre and post immunisation are often more useful than isolated results. The investigation of immune deficiency should be discussed with the immunology department (adult or paediatric) prior to requesting these tests. They are also used in the monitoring of asplenia. Specific antibodies should be checked annually and if pneumococcal levels fall below 35 mg/l or haemophilus influenzae type b below 1.5 mg/l re-immunisation is indicated. Levels of these antibodies may also be used in the assessment of the degree of protection in patients requiring re-immunisation, particularly where adverse reactions have occurred in the past. Under these circumstances protective levels are; pneumococcal antibody levels >20mg/l, tetanus antibody levels >0.1 IU/ml, Hib antibody levels >1.0 mg/l.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Specimen container adult:
Serum-SST
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 ml
Minimum volume adult:
1 ml
Special requirements:
None
Freq analysis:
Monthly
Add on test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 2821890, and must be confirmed via email to [email protected]
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS for Specific Microbial Antibodies
Interpretation:
None
Reference ranges:
Haemophilus Influenzae B (mg/L) -1.0 – 20 mg/L
Pneumococcal Capsular Polysaccharide (mg/L) – 20 – 200 mg/L
Tetanus Toxoid (IU/ml) – 0.1 – 10 IU/ml
Other info:
Specific antibodies are available to Pneumococcus, Tetanus and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Interpretation of results depends on prior exposure or immunisation status.