Test

Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhea

Other Test Request Name

CTNG

Test Composition

Chlamydia Trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhea

Intended Use

C. trachomatisinfections are the leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases in the United States.C. trachomatisis known to cause cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymitis and proctitis. It is also the most frequent cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men. Among women, the consequences ofChlamydialinfections are severe if left untreated. Approximately half ofChlamydialinfections are asymptomatic.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae(gonococci) is the causative agent of gonorrhea. In men, this disease generally results in anterior urethritis accompanied by purulent exudate. In women, the disease is most often found in the cervix, but the vagina and uterus may also be infected.

Methodology

Rapid Antigen

Laboratory Section

Special test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

• Collection kit must be requested 2 days prior to collection.

• 1 Swab for FEMALE

• Urine sample for MALE

Collection/Sample Container

  • Polyester on Plastic Shafts Sterile Swab for FEMALE

           NOTE: Kit provided by HPD

  • Urine sterile container for MALE

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

• 1 cervicovaginal or urethral swab collected using provided collection kit.

• 60 ml of Random urine

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

7 Days

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

7 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

Not applicable

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

• Dried and with blood contamination
• Exceed sample stability requirement
• Incorrect collection container used
• Improperly labeled specimen

Running Day

Monday to Friday

Cut Off Time

8:00 AM

TAT/Releasing of Results

After 3 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Not applicable

Limitations/Interferences

Not applicable

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not applicabl

Related Words/Test

Not Applicable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Chlamydia trachomatis IgA

Other Test Request Name

  • Lymphogranuloma venereum
  • Nicolas-Favre - disease

Test Composition

Not Applicable

Intended Use

C. trachomatis is known to cause cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymitis and proctitis.

It is also the most frequent cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men. Among women, the consequences of chlamydial infections are severe if left untreated. Approximately half of chlamydial infections are asymptomatic.

Bacterium which only infects the eyes and the genitalia. It usually causes trachoma, inclusion conjunctivitis or sexually transmitted disease. Lymphogranuloma venereum remains an exotic infection. "Non-specific" urethritis and cervicitis can be relatively asymptomatic and lead to spread of the infection and ultimately tubular damage and infertility in women or epididymitis and prostatitis in men. A role for C. trachomatis has been suggested in some forms of perihepatitis and in Reiter's syndrome. Infants born to infected mothers may present with post-natal conjunctivitis (which is resistant to silver nitrate treatment) and severe pneumonia. The bacterium can often be directly detected in conjunctival or genital smears. Nucleic acid-based techniques (e.g. PCR) are sensitive, specific and do not necessitate invasive procedures (a urine specimen or a vulvar smear is suitable). Culture takes much longer and requires a urethral, cervical or conjunctival smear and perfect transport conditions. Seroconversion and the presence of IgM are demonstrated in cases of recent primary infection and in infected newborns. Apart from these situations, the presence of IgG indicates contact with the bacterium, which cannot be dated, in that these antibodies persist for a long time and are only influenced by an effective treatment at a late stage. The presence of specific IgA may be of interest in cases of active infection. Note the existence of serological cross-reactions between the different Chamydia species.

Methodology

Chemiluminescence

 

Laboratory Section

Special Tes

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

  • No patient preparation necessary.
  • NOTE:interference possible in patients treated with biotin (vitamin B7, B8 or H) or taking any food supplement containing biotin. Essential to STOP treatment 8 days before taking the sample.

Collection/Sample Container

Red or Gold Tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

24 Hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

7 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

28 Days

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

  • Hemolyzed specimen
  • Quantity Not sufficient
  • Markedly lipemic sample
  • Improperly labeled specimen

Running Day

Batch running

Cut Off Time

Friday, 4:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Available upon request

 

 

 

Limitations/Interferences

Interference possible in patients treated with biotin (vitamin B7, B8 or H) or taking any food supplement containing biotin. Essential to STOP treatment 8 days before taking the sample.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not applicable

Related Words/Test

Sexually transmitted bacterial infection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Chlamydia trachomatis IgG

Other Test Request Name

  • Chlamydia trachomatis IgG - Serology Serum
  • Myagawanellosis
  • Lymphogranuloma venereum
  • Nicolas-Favre - disease

Test Composition

Not applicable

Intended Use

C. trachomatis is known to cause cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymitis and proctitis.

It is also the most frequent cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men. Among women, the consequences of chlamydial infections are severe if left untreated. Approximately half of chlamydial infections are asymptomatic.

Bacterium which only infects the eyes and the genitalia. It usually causes trachoma, inclusion conjunctivitis or sexually transmitted disease. Lymphogranuloma venereum remains an exotic infection. "Non-specific" urethritis and cervicitis can be relatively asymptomatic and lead to spread of the infection and ultimately tubular damage and infertility in women or epididymitis and prostatitis in men. A role for C. trachomatis has been suggested in some forms of perihepatitis and in Reiter's syndrome. Infants born to infected mothers may present with post-natal conjunctivitis (which is resistant to silver nitrate treatment) and severe pneumonia. The bacterium can often be directly detected in conjunctival or genital smears. Nucleic acid-based techniques (e.g. PCR) are sensitive, specific and do not necessitate invasive procedures (a urine specimen or a vulvar smear is suitable). Culture takes much longer and requires a urethral, cervical or conjunctival smear and perfect transport conditions. Seroconversion and the presence of IgM are demonstrated in cases of recent primary infection and in infected newborns. Apart from these situations, the presence of IgG indicates contact with the bacterium, which cannot be dated, in that these antibodies persist for a long time and are only influenced by an effective treatment at a late stage. The presence of specific IgA may be of interest in cases of active infection. Note the existence of serological cross-reactions between the different Chamydia species.

Methodology

Chemiluminescence

Laboratory Section

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

No patient preparation necessary.

NOTE: Interference possible in patients treated with biotin (vitamin B7, B8 or H) or taking any food supplement containing biotin. Essential to STOP treatment 8 days before taking the sample.

Collection/Sample Container

Red or Gold Tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

72 Hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

14 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

28 Days

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimen
• Quantity Not sufficient
• Markedly lipemic sample
• Improperly labeled specimen

Running Day

Batch running

Cut Off Time

Friday, 4:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

2 Weeks after cut-off (Excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences

None specified

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not applicable

Related Words/Test

Gonorrhea Testing, HIV Antibody and HIV Antigen, Syphilis Tests, Herpes Testing, HPV Test, Trichomonas Testing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Chlamydia trachomatis IgM

Other Test Request Name

  • Nicolas-Favre - disease
  • Lymphogranuloma venereum
  • Chlamydia trachomatis IgM Serology - Serum

 Test Composition

Not applicable

Intended Use

C. trachomatis is known to cause cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymitis and proctitis.

It is also the most frequent cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men. Among women, the consequences of chlamydial infections are severe if left untreated. Approximately half of chlamydial infections are asymptomatic.

Bacterium which only infects the eyes and the genitalia. It usually causes trachoma, inclusion conjunctivitis or sexually transmitted disease. Lymphogranuloma venereum remains an exotic infection. "Non-specific" urethritis and cervicitis can be relatively asymptomatic and lead to spread of the infection and ultimately tubular damage and infertility in women or epididymitis and prostatitis in men. A role for C. trachomatis has been suggested in some forms of perihepatitis and in Reiter's syndrome. Infants born to infected mothers may present with post-natal conjunctivitis (which is resistant to silver nitrate treatment) and severe pneumonia. The bacterium can often be directly detected in conjunctival or genital smears. Nucleic acid-based techniques (e.g. PCR) are sensitive, specific and do not necessitate invasive procedures (a urine specimen or a vulvar smear is suitable). Culture takes much longer and requires a urethral, cervical or conjunctival smear and perfect transport conditions. Seroconversion and the presence of IgM are demonstrated in cases of recent primary infection and in infected newborns. Apart from these situations, the presence of IgG indicates contact with the bacterium, which cannot be dated, in that these antibodies persist for a long time and are only influenced by an effective treatment at a late stage. The presence of specific IgA may be of interest in cases of active infection. Note the existence of serological cross-reactions between the different Chamydia species.

Methodology

Immunofluorescence

Laboratory Section

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

No patient preparation necessar

NOTE:Test not recommended for STD screening

Collection/Sample Container

Red or Gold tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

72 Hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

7 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

28 Days

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

  • Hemolyzed specimen
  • Quantity Not sufficient
  • Markedly lipemic sample
  • Improperly labeled specimen

Running Day

Batch running

Cut Off Time

Friday, 4:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

2 Weeks after cut-off (Excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences

None specified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not applicable

Related Words/Test

Gonorrhea Testing, HIV Antibody and HIV Antigen, Syphilis Tests, Herpes Testing, HPV Test, Trichomonas Testing

 

 

 

Test

Chloride

Other Test Request Name

•Cl

Test Composition

Not applicable

Intended Use

• Often ordered with other electrolytes as part of a regular physical to screen for a variety of conditions.

Methodology

Direct ISE

Laboratory Section

Chemistry

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

• No patient preparation necessary.

Collection/Sample Container

Red or Gold tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

1-3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

1-3 mL Plasma (Heparin except for Na-Heparin)

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

7 Days (Serum must be separated from Gel separator)

 

 

 

 

 

 

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

4 Weeks (Serum must be separated from Gel separator)

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

Indefinite

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

 

 

Rejection Criteria

• Improper collection tube used
• Specimen stored/transported outside the temperature range
• Quantity not sufficient
• Hemolyzed specimen
• Lipemic specimen
• Improperly labeled specimen
• EDTA plasma

Running Day

DailyCut Off Time

Monday to Saturday:6:00 PM

Sunday:4:00PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

ROUTINE
• 4 hours after receipt of specimen/ arrival of messenger
STAT
• After 2½ HOURS from extraction/messenger arrival

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

98.00-107.00 mmol/L (98.00-107.00 meq/L)

Limitations/Interferences

• Substances that may interfere with the assay: 5-aminosalicylic acid, glutathione, naproxen, terazosin

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not applicable

Related Words/Test

Sodium, Potassium, Bicarbonate, Electrolytes, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Basic Metabolic Panel, Blood Gases

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Cholesterol (CHOD-PAP)

Other Test Request Name              

• Total Cholesterol
• Blood Cholesterol

Test Composition

Not applicable

 

Intended Use

The test for total cholesterol is used alone or as part of a lipid profile to help predict an individual's risk of developing heart disease and to help make decisions about what treatment may be needed if there is borderline or high risk.

Methodology

Colorimetric, Enzymatic Method (CHOD-PAP)

Laboratory Section

Chemistry

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

No patient preparation necessary.

Collection/Sample Container

Red or Gold tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

1-3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

1-3mL Plasma (Li?heparin and K2?EDTA)

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

7 Days

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

7 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

3 Months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

  • Specimens that failed serum index criteria
  • Markedly lipemic specimen
  • Exceeded sample stability requirement
  • Quantity not sufficient
  • Improperly labeled specimen
  • Improper collection tube used

Running Day

Daily

Cut Off Time

Monday to Saturday:  6:00 PM

Sunday: 4:00pm

TAT/Releasing of Results

RUNNING TIME: 6:00 AM onwards

RELEASING TIME: ROUTINE
• 4 hours after receipt of specimen/ arrival of messenger
RELEASING TIME: STAT
• After 2½ hours from extraction/messenger arrival

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

NCEP Recommendations:
Desirable: <5.20 mmol/L (<200.00 mg/dL)
Borderline High: 5.20-6.20 mmol/L (200.00-239.38 mg/dL)
High: >/= 6.20 mmol/L (>/= 239.38 mg/dL)

 

 

 

 

Limitations/Interferences

  • Acetaminophen intoxications are frequently treated with N-Acetylcysteine. N-Acetylcysteine at the therapeutic concentration when used as an antidote and the Acetaminophen metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) independently may cause falsely low results.
  • Venipuncture should be performed prior to the administration of Metamizole. Venipuncture immediately after or during the administration of Metamizole may lead to falsely low results.
  • In very rare cases, gammopathy, in particular type IgM (Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When should testing for cholesterol/lipid profile be done?
A: In all adults aged 20 years or older, a fasting Lipid Profile should be obtained once every 5 years.

Q: Can cholesterol be done on non-fasting samples?
A: If the testing opportunity is nonfasting, only the values for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol will be usable.

 

 

Related Words/Test

HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Lipid Profile, Cardiac Risk Assessment

 

Test

Cholesterol HDL 2 & HDL 3

Other Test Request Name

Not applicable

Test Composition

Not applicable

Intended Use

The HDL Cholesterol fraction can be separated into sub-fractions by ultracentrifugation. The HDL2 sub-fraction consist of mostly LpA1 and the HDL3 sub-fraction HDL3 of mostly LpA1-A2. HDL2 can be influced by exercise and curtailing smoking, whilst HDL3 is genetically established.

Methodology

Ultracentrifugation

Laboratory Section

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

8 hours fasting.

Collection/Sample Container

Gold or Red Top

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

24 Hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

7 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

14 Days

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimen
• Quantity Not sufficient
• Markedly lipemic sample
• Improperly labeled specimen

Running Day

Batch running

Cut Off Time

Friday 4:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

3 months after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences

None specified

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not applicable

Related Words/Test

HDL; HDL-C, High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Cholinesterase

Other Test Request Name

  • Pseudocholinesterase
  • Butyrylcholinesterase

Test Composition

Not applicable

Intended Use

Helps to identify patients who may have adverse reactions to muscle relaxants.

Methodology

Wet Chem-Coupled Oxidation Reduction Indicator Reaction

Laboratory Section

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

Note if under medication

Collection/Sample Container

Gold or Red Top

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

3 mL Serum

 

 

 

Test

Chromium

Other Test Request Name

Not applicable

Test Composition

Not applicable

Intended Use

Widely used in industry such as dyes, paints and metallurgy processing. Acute poisoning results in skin, eye, respiratory and stomach involvement. Test used in occupational health.

Methodology

Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Laboratory Section

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

  • No patient preparation necessary.
  • Request Container to Special test section atleast 2 days prior to collection

Collection/Sample Container

Sodium Heparin (Green Top)

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

3 pcs. of 4mL Heparinized whole blood

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

24 hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

7 days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

Not applicable

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

  • Hemolyzed specimen
  • Quantity Not sufficient
  • Improperly labeled specimen
  • Clotted specimen

Running Day

Batch running

Cut Off Time

Friday, 4:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

3 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

 

 

 

 

 

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences

None specified

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not applicable

Related Words/Test

Toxic Metals , Heavy Metals Panel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Cholesterol HDL 2 & HDL 3

Other Test Request Name

Not applicable

Test Composition

Not applicable

Intended Use

The HDL Cholesterol fraction can be separated into sub-fractions by ultracentrifugation. The HDL2 sub-fraction consist of mostly LpA1 and the HDL3 sub-fraction HDL3 of mostly LpA1-A2. HDL2 can be influced by exercise and curtailing smoking, whilst HDL3 is genetically established.

Methodology

Ultracentrifugation

Laboratory Section

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

8 hours fasting.

Collection/Sample Container

Gold or Red Top

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

24 Hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

7 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

14 Days

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimen
• Quantity Not sufficient
• Markedly lipemic sample
• Improperly labeled specimen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Chromogranin A

Other Test Request Name

CgA

Test Composition

Not Applicable

Intended Use

To help diagnose and monitor carcinoid tumors  and other neuroendocrine tumors

Proteins present in the secretory chromaffin granules of neuroendocrine cells. Very high levels associated with neuroendocrine tumors and pheochromocytoma, intestinal carcinoid and tumors of the endocrine pancreas

Chromogranin A (CgA) is a protein released from neuroendocrine cells. These are cells that secrete hormones in response to signals from the nervous system. They are found in organs throughout the body. This test measures the amount of chromogranin A in the blood.

Neuroendocrine cells, and the endocrine glands that they are found in, can give rise to a variety of tumors, both benign and malignan. Examples include carcinoid tumors, insulinomas, small cell lung cancers, and neuroblastomas. The CgA test may be used to help detect, diagnose, and/or monitor neuroendocrine tumors, especially carcinoid tumors.

Many of these tumors release large quantities of the hormone associated with that tissue, either continuously or intermittently, causing symptoms characteristic for that tumor. However, not all neuroendocrine tumors release the expected hormones. In either case, neuroendocrine tumors are frequently associated with increased concentrations of CgA.

Carcinoid tumors are slow-growing noncancerous or cancerous masses that form mainly in the gastrointestinal tract (especially in the appendix) and in the lungs. According to the American Cancer Society, there are about 8,000 gastrointestinal and 4,000 lung carcinoid tumors diagnosed each year in the United States. Many more of these tumors may exist, but most remain small and do not cause any symptoms. When carcinoid tumors are discovered in asymptomatic patients during surgical procedures performed for other reasons, they are called "incidental" tumors. A small percentage of these tumors may eventually grow large enough to cause obstructions in the intestines or bronchial tubes of the lungs.

Methodology

Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)

Laboratory Section

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

  • No patient preparation necessary.
  • PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) should be stopped 2-3 weeks before the chromogranin A assay

Collection/Sample Container

Red or Gold Tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

24 Hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

7 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

28 Days

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

  • Hemolyzed specimen
  • Quantity Not sufficient
  • Markedly lipemic sample
  • Improperly labeled specimen

Running Day

Batch running

Cut Off Time

Friday, 4:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences

None Specified

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When to get tested?

A:When you have symptoms suggestive of a carcinoid tumor, such as flushing, diarrhea, and/or wheezing; when your healthcare provider thinks that you may have a carcinoid or other neuroendocrine tumor.

Q: When it is ordered?

A:A CgA test is ordered along with other tests when a healthcare practitioner suspects that a person's signs and symptoms are due to a carcinoid tumor or other neuroendocrine tumor.

Some signs and symptoms may include:

  • Flushing of the face and neck (appearance of deep red color, usually with sudden onset)
  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing

This test may be ordered periodically to help evaluate treatment effectiveness and monitor for tumor recurrence.

Related Words/Test
autoantigen in type 1 diabetes, Serotonine, 5-HIAA, Catecholamines, Tumor Marker

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Chromogranin Staining

Other Test Request Name

Not applicable

Test Composition

Not applicable

Intended Use

• It may also be used to detect the presence of other tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells.

Methodology

Immuno Histochemistry

Laboratory Section

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

No patient preparation necessary.

Collection/Sample Container

Slide holders or mailers for microscope slides; FFPE tissue blocks can either be wrapped in paper or placed in a box.

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

• Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block
• 1 H&E stained slide representative of the submitted tissue block.
• Histopathology report for the submitted tissue block

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

Indefinite

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

Not applicable

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

Not applicableTransport Temperature

• Microscope slides should be placed in slide holders or mailers and should be adequately padded before placing in a shipping/packaging container to prevent breakage.
• FFPE tissue blocks must be placed in a box and avoid direct sunlight to prevent melting and disorientation during transport or shipping.
• Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rejection Criteria

• Incomplete information in the Request Form
• Improper or insufficient labeling of tissue blocks or slides
• Inadequate tissue available on the tissue block

Running Day

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Cut Off Time

Day before running day

TAT/Releasing of Results

10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Limitations/Interferences

None specified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not Applicable

Related Words/Test

Not Applicable

 

 

 

Test

COBALT (UNAVAILABILITY OF TUBE)

Other Test Request Name

Not Applicable

Test Composition

Not Applicable

Intended Use

Cobalt is part of our diet. Approximately 85% of absorbed cobalt is excreted in the urine and the remainder eliminated in stool. Toxicity may occur in select industrial environments. Cobalt is not mined in the United States so primary supplies are imported.

Methodology

Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

Laboratory Section

Special test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

  • Patient should refrain from taking mineral supplements, vitamin B12 or vitamin B complex 3 days prior to specimen collection
  • Blood sample will be drawn every Monday - Wednesday from until 3pm only.
  • Request Container to Special test section atleast 2 days prior to collection

Instruction to Phlebotomists:Specimen Collection and  Handling

  1. Wash the collection site with soap and water, followed by an alcohol swab.
  2. Collect the trace metal tube last if other tubes are to be collected from the same site.
  3. Label the complete name of patient on the EDTA Royal blue tube upon extraction.       
  4. After blood extraction, invert EDTA Royal Blue tube 8-10 times to prevent clotting.
  5. Verify and record the name, date of birth, age, gender and employment history of each patient in the Clinical Information.
  6. Note if the patient is pregnant.
  7. After blood collection, do not open specimen tubes at any time prior to shipment. Do not use iodine-containing disinfectants.

Collection/Sample Container

6 mL Royal Blue Tube (Whole Blood) - EDTA

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

2 pcs. of 6mL Royal Tube (Whole Blood) - EDTA

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

48 hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

5 days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

Unacceptable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

Not Applicable

Running Day

Batch Running

Cut Off Time

Monday, 12:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

2 weeks after cut off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Not Applicable

Limitations/Interferences

Not Applicable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not Applicable

Related Words/Test

Not Applicable

 

 

 

 

 

Test

Cocaine

Other Test Request Name

• Coke
• Crack
• Gold dust
• Stardust
• White girl
• Speed balls

Test Composition

Not applicable

Intended Use

Used as a screening test for qualitative detection of cocaine in urine.

Methodology

Lateral Flow Immunochromatography (Competitive Binding)

Laboratory Section

Drug Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

No patient preparation necessary

Collection/Sample Container

60-mL clean, screw cap, polyethylene container

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

60 mL urine

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

Not specified

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

48 Hours

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

Not specified

Transport Temperature

Not applicable

Rejection Criteria

• Incompatibility of the ID number on the specimen received by the laboratory with the number on the CCF.
• Absence of ID number on the specimen
• No printed Authorized Specimen Collector’s name and signature on the CCF.
• Broken or tampered seal on the specimen container
• Insufficient quantity of specimen, below 60 mL for single collection; below 30 mL for spilt collection

Running Day

Daily

Cut Off Time

Monday to Saturday
• 6:00 PM
Sunday
• 3:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

ROUTINE
• 3 hours after receipt of specimen/ arrival of messenger
STAT
• After 1½ hours from receipt of specimen/ arrival of messenger

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Not applicable

Limitations/Interferences

• Other drugs with the same structure with the abused drugs
• Cross-reactant chemicals
• Bleach or alum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not applicable

Related Words/Test

Recreational drug

Test

Coccidioides Panel

Other Test Request Name

Not applicable

Test Composition

1. Complement Fixation Titer
2. IgG ID (F Antigen)
3. IgM ID (TP Antigen)

Intended Use

Positive results suggest coccidioides infection.

Methodology

Complement Fixation (CF) and Immunodiffusion (ID)

Laboratory Section

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations

No patient preparation necessary.

Collection/Sample Container

Gold or Red Top

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C)

7 Days

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C)

14 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C)

30 Days

Transport Temperature

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria

• Hemolyzed specimen
• Quantity Not sufficient
• Markedly lipemic sample
• Improperly labeled specimen

Running Day

Batch running

Cut Off Time

Friday 4:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results

2 Weeks after cut-off (Excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences

None specified

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Not applicable

Related Words/Test

Fungal infection