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:
Important for many metabolic reactions, particularly serotonin and tryptophan formation. Essential cofactor for aminotransferase enzymes. Deficiency may occur in the diet, due to drugs such as isoniazid and penicillamine, and as an IMD/IEM. Symptoms of deficiency are skin changes (scaling, hyperpigmentation), tongue inflammation, depression and irritability. Toxicity results in peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy. Elevated B6 may be seen with hypophosphatasia. Clinical manifestations include defective skeletal mineralisation resulting in osteomalacia/rickets and dental problems
Specimen container paediatric:
EDTA whole blood
Specimen container adult:
EDTA whole blood
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL
Minimum volume adult:
0.5 mL
Special requirements:
Protect samples from light and transport to the lab ASAP.
Reference ranges :
35 to 110 nmol/L
Other Info:
Referral Laboratory: Scottish Trace Element and Micronutrient Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Macewen Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Castle Street, Glasgow, G4 0SF