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:
This is an in-vitro test of T lymphocyte function useful in the diagnosis of immunodeficiency; all cases must be discussed with a clinical immunologist.
Specimen container paediatric:
Whole Blood in preservative free heparin + normal control
Specimen container adult:
Whole Blood in preservative free heparin + normal control
Minimum volume paediatric:
5 ml
Minimum volume adult:
10 ml
Special requirements:
The requesting clinician must arrange for a control sample from a healthy volunteer to arrive at the same time as the patient’s sample. Samples should be as fresh as possible when tested. Keep at room temperature at all times.
Freq analysis:
As required
Add on test:
This test can not be added on, fresh samples are required for every request.
Interpretation:
The panel used to stimulate the T cells depends on the clinical condition under investigation and should be discussed with the department.
Reference ranges:
None
Other info:
The requesting clinician must also arrange for a control sample from a healthy volunteer. Results are reported as counts per minute for stimulated and unstimulated cells, and as a stimulation index.