Cryoglobulins
Description:
A cryoglobulin screen involves observation of a serum specimen collected and separated while warm for cryoprecipitation over a period of up to 7 days. Values of the screening may be reported as cryocrit, which is the volume percent of the precipitate compared with the total volume of serum. Further proof that the precipitate is indeed a cryoglobulin can be obtained by demonstrating resolubilisation with warming and immunochemical characterisation by immunofixation.
Clinical details:
Cryoglobulins are abnormal immunoglobulins which form complexes and precipitate out of serum at low temperature and resolubilise on warming. Other cryoprecipitable plasma proteins include cryofibrinogen and C-reactive proteinalbumin complexes, but the vast majority are immunoglobulins. The cause of cryoglobulinemia is not completely understood, but it is thought to
be an autoimmune disorder. Cryoglobulinemia occurs in a variety of clinical settings including lymphoproliferative disorders, infection and autoimmune disease.
be an autoimmune disorder. Cryoglobulinemia occurs in a variety of clinical settings including lymphoproliferative disorders, infection and autoimmune disease.
Reference range:
Normal result: cryoglobulins not detected. Electrophoresis will be performed on positive results and further immunofixation work may be required.
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
Serum sample – Clotted yellow SST or plain red top tube (refer to special sample instructions).
Please note that haemolysis and lipaemia may lead to inaccurate reading and therefore affected samples are not accepted.
Please note that haemolysis and lipaemia may lead to inaccurate reading and therefore affected samples are not accepted.
Turnaround time:
1 week
Special sample instructions:
Collect 10 mL of blood in a pre-warmed syringe (37°C) and deliver into a tube. The sample must be kept at 37°C during transfer to the laboratory. Place the sample (in a water-tight bag) in a thermos flask filled with warm (not boiling) water and give to a member of staff. Thermos flasks can be obtained from Central Specimen Reception, 5th Floor, North Wing.
Contacts:
Reference Chemistry Laboratory at St Thomas'
0207 188 1264
4th floor, North Wing
St Thomas' Hospital
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
St Thomas' Hospital
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Laboratory:
Last updated: 21/08/2018
