Cryoglobulins (Cryoglobulin Precipitates, Cryofibrinogen)
| Category | Biochemistry >> Proteins |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Cryoglobulins are proteins that become insoluble at less than -4°C. Cryoglobulinaemia can be associated with various diseases: Type I is most commonly encountered in patients with a plasma cell dyscrasia such as multiple myeloma or Waldenström’s macroglobulinaemia. Types II and III are strongly associated with infection by hepatitis C and some connective tissue autoimmune diseases. |
| Clinical Indications |
Presentation of: arthralgia and joint disease, acrocyanosis, purpura, paraesthesia and peripheral neuropathy or Raynaud’s phenomenon (paroxysmal vasospastic and subsequent vasodilatory sequelae affecting peripheral arterioles usually in the hands and feet; commonly seen in response to cold exposure). |
| Reference range | Qualitative report. |
| Sample & container required | Serum (red top) and EDTA (lavender top) Samples must be maintained at 37 degrees C. Please contact the site Specimen Reception to arrange collection of pre-warmed tubes. Samples received at room temperature are unsuitable |
| Sample volume | 8 mL of each sample type |
| Turnaround time | 2 weeks |
| Notes | Contact the Duty Biochemist/ laboratory before collecting samples. It is essential that samples are collected correctly using the laboratory packs provided. Packs must be collected from the lab, samples collected and then correctly returned in as short a time as possible. Please contact the specimen reception area at your site in advance to discuss. Incorrectly collected samples may give inaccurate results and will be rejected. |