Cryoglobulins

Department of Immunology

Notes

• Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins which reversibly precipitate in the cold.
• Consider cryoglobulinaemia in a patient with unexplained renal or skin disease and low serum C4. This test is also useful in some cases of vasculitis, renal failure, Hepatitis C infection, paraproteinaemia, and neuropathy.
• Positive samples are referred to the Immunology laboratory at Northern General Hospital, Sheffield for cryoglobulin phenotyping.
• Please note this test does not conform to CPA standard H5.4 as no external quality assurance scheme is available and is not accredited

Sample Requirements

• Clotted blood. Sample must be taken and maintained at 37°C.
• Please contact the Immunology laboratory on extension 5245 to discuss timing and to arrange for a hot box to be made available.

Adult

9ml Serum sample

Paediatric

1ml Serum Sample

Time Limit for Add-ons

It is NOT possible to add this test on, due to the sampling conditions.

Turnaround Times

• 7–10 days (positive / negative screen)
  
• 3–4 weeks (fully phenotyped cryoglobulin; if positive)