instructions for using this laboratory test list please ... · instructions for using this...

Instructions for using this laboratory test listPlease note that use of this manual is indended for local users onlySpecimen preparation may be different when sent from a remote locationTests are arranged alphabeticallyPlease follow the sample collection, container and volume instructionsFor a more detailed explanation on how to obtain the specimen refer to "Instructions for sample collection" documentIf you are unsure which specimen should be collected, phone the relevant laboratory section for instructionsUnless otherwise stated the specimen requirement is blood, taken into the indicated tube Unless otherwise stated the volume of specimen required is 4 - 5mlSome more specialised tests may not published in this document. Please utelise the phone list and consult a pathologist directly if any test is required that is not available routinelyElectronic version of the Laboratory Test list, contact details and "Instructions for sample collection" available on:DISA Lab (Ward enquiries) www.health.uct.ac.za/departments/cls/about/Please note that this list was last updated 1/2/2014. Some instructions may have changed.Please contact the laboratory with any specific queries

http://www.health.uct.ac.za/departments/cls/about/

NHLS GSH & RXH LABORATORY TEST LISTGSH Speed dial RXH

General results centre 021 404 4129 N/A

Anatomic pathology General: 021 404 3000 General 021 658 5209Consultants: Consultant:On call (Histology) 072 620 6916 Dr Pillay 021 658 5236On call (Cytology) 072 620 6682Prof Wainwright 021 404 5258 76862Dr Duffield 021 404 3381 76893Dr Locketz 021 404 3559 76923Dr Wu 021 404 4252Dr Sookhayi 021 404 5346Dr Learmonth 021 404 3047Dr Malaka 021 404 3463Registrars: Registrar:On call (Histology) 072 620 6537 76937 Room 021 658 5237On call (Cytology) 072 620 8356 76944Room 021 404 4234/2387

Chemical Pathology General 021 404 4129 General: 021 658 5224/6Consultants: Consultant:Dr Vreede 021 404 5429 76197 Dr van der Watt 021 658 5220Dr Omar 021 404 4118 76350Dr Fortgens (021) 404 6330 77199Registrars: Registrar:On call 021 404 4135 77198 On call 021 658 5224/6IMD lab:Chem IMD Molecular 021 404 4449/406 6219Chem IMD Enz 021 406 6392/6102

Non-NHLS LaboratoriesBlood Bank 021 404 4091Lipid Lab 021 406 6208/6125Pharmacology 021 404 5383Porphyria Lab 021 406 6521

Haematology General: 021 404 4129 General: 021 658 5204

Consultants: Consultant:Dr Opie 021 404 3082 Dr Van Schalkwyk 021 658 5228Dr Du Pisani 021 404 3081Dr Ntobongwana 021 404 4244Scientist / Molecular testsDr Karen Shires 021 406 6673Registrars Registrar:Room/Main Bench 021 404 3364/3092 76193 Room 021 658 5248

Microbiology General: 021 404 4129Consultants:Dr Bamford 021 404 5295Dr Beylis 021 404 6415Drs Naicker/Hoosien 021 404 5282RegistrarsRoom 021 404 5302/3 76652

Virology General: 021 404 4129Consultants:Dr Korsman 021 4046414 76865Dr Hardie 021 404 5201 76866Dr Hsiao 021 404 5200 76867Registrars: Room 021 404 5302/3

Tissue Immunology General: 021 404 4129Lab Manager:Ms Maart 021 404 4420HLA Serology Lab. 021 404 4502HLA Molecular Lab. 021 404 4447

Genetics General: 021 404 4129Cytogenetics 021 4044 509Molecular 021 404 4550

Immunology General: 021 404 4129

Dr Watkins 021 404 4537

Preferred test name Other information GSH Specimen container RXH Specimen container Precautions, comments & volumesSend-aways from peripheral laboratories

Lab

11- deoxycortisol 11DOC yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice Chem

17- hydroxyprogesterone 17OHP yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice Chem

5-alpha reductase whole gene screen SRD5A2 purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Send with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

5-hydroxy-indole acetic acid, urine 5HIAA 24 hour urine 24 hour urine Collect urine in acid (urine pH < 3) Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

7- dehydrocholesterol Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome purple

All tests performed on research budget. Please arrange by discussion with Prof Marais for lipid chemistry including fatty acids, sterols and lipoprotein characterisation

Lipid (Non NHLS)

ABL kinase mutationsGleevec Resistance testing,CASEQ; mutation studies

purple purple At least 3X 5ml. Immediately on ice/ to lab within 24 hrs Send on ice C21Molecular haem

ABO blood grouping/phenotyping purple purple Send to blood bank at RXH. 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 5ml blood needed

Room temperature - should reach the lab in less than 3 days

Haem

Acetylcholine Receptor Ab ACERA yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice

Chem

Acid base studies, urine contact laboratory contact laboratoryTest must be arranged with chem path registrar. Deliver to lab immediately on ice.

Chem

Acid phosphatase (total or prostatic) yellow gel yellow gel

Arrange with lab. Separate promptly. Add 30ul stabiliser (0.8M acetic acid) to 1ml serum within 1hr of collection. Stable at 4°C for 8 days. TAT of 1 month.

Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

ACLA (IgG)Anti-cardiolipin antibody IgG; anti-phopspholipid antibody; CLP; APLA; ACLA

yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable. Immuno

ACLA (IgM)Anti-cardiolipin antibody IgM; anti-phopspholipid antibody; CLP; APLA; ACLA


Actinomyces culture Culture for Actinomyces Pus from infected site Micro

Activated protein C resistance APCR blueTo reach lab within 4hrs or contact lab if greater delay. Clinical haematologist authorisation required

Frozen citrated plasma - kept on dry ice Haem

Acute flaccid paralysis 2x stool 48 hours apart

Requires EPID form. Results available from NICD when processed, but this is meant for surveillance and not diagnostics.

Send on ice. Peripheral labs to send directly to NICD if possible

Viro

Adenosine deaminase, CSF ADA CSF CSF Chem

Adenosine deaminase, fluid fluid fluid Chem

Adenovirus 40/41 Rapid test, stool stool Done with rotavirus Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone ACTH purple purple Deliver to lab immediately on ice. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Alanine transaminase ALT yellow gel green Chem

Albumin yellow gel green Chem

Albumin, CSF plain tube plain tube Chem

Albumin, fluid plain tube plain tube Chem

Albumin, urine (Microalbumin) random or timed urine random or timed urine Chem

Aldosterone yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice Chem

Alkaline phosphatase ALP yellow gel green Chem

Alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes ALISO yellow gel green Separate immediately and send on dry ice. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Allergy Food Screening test - FX5

If positive, individual allergens will be tested - Egg white, cows milk, fish, peanut, soybean,and wheat


Allergy Inhalant Screening test - Phadiatop

If positive, individual allergens will be tested - Cat and dog dander, house dust mite, grass pollen mix and mould mix.


Alpha feto protein AFP yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Alpha-1 antitrypsin A1AT yellow gel yellow gel Yellow gel tube or serum at RT Chem

Alpha-1 antitrypsin clearance timed stool collection into preweighed container

timed stool collection into preweighed container

Minimum 5ml stool. Record weight of empty container on form. Yellow gel top blood sample simultaneously required.

Minimum 5ml stool. Record weight of empty container on form. Yellow gel top blood sample simultaneously required

Chem

Alpha-1 antitrypsin point mutation analysis SERPINA 1 purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

Aluminium yellow gel yellow gel Deliver to the lab on ice. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Aluminium, urine random urine random urine Do not collect in a glass or metal container. Deliver to the lab on ice. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Amikacin yellow gel green GSH specimens to be sent directly to Pharmacology

For GSH or UCTPAH patients only. Not offered here for any other patients.

Chem

Amino Acids, serum or plasma (quantitative) yellow gel or green greenMinimum 1ml. Deliver to lab immediately. If delayed, separate and send frozen on dry ice.

Minimum 1ml. Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice.

Chem

Amino Acids, urine random urine random urineMinimum 5ml. Deliver to lab immediately. If delayed, send on ice or frozen on dry ice.

Minimum 5ml. Send frozen on dry ice. Chem

Ammonia, serum NH3 purple green Extremely unstable. Deliver to lab immediately (within 15 min) on ice. Chem

Amoebic IFAT (Entamoeba histolytica) Amoebic serology yellow gel Usually batched. Run weekly. (Test performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

AMP Deaminase point mutation analysis AMP D1 purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

Amylase yellow gel green Separate serum and send at RT Chem

Amylase, fluid plain tube plain tube Chem

Amylase, urine random urine random urineDeliver to lab immediately on ice. Serum lipase recommended for acute pancreatitis.

Alkalanise urine (just above pH7). Send on ice Chem

ANA (EliA CTD Screen)Anti-nuclear antibodies; Anti-nuclear factor. NB- screen does include anti-dsDNA.


ANCA Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, MPOs & PR3s yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially

contaminated samples are unsuitable. Immuno

Androgen receptor whole gene screen AR purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

Androstenedione yellow gel yellow gel Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Anti - dsDNA Anti-double stranded DNA antibody yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially


Anti-CCP Ab

Anti- cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody. Part of 2010 ACR/EULAR rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria.


AntiDNAse B Streptococcal serology (AntiDNAse B) yellow gel

Daily batches during the day-Mon-Friday. Sat-Sun one batch in the morning. (Test performed at TBH Immunology)

Micro

Anti-Factor Xa Enoxaparin monitoring blue blueMust reach lab within 30 mins of sampling. Performed on weekdays only. At least 5ml

Spin sample and freeze plasma within 60 minutes of sampling. Transport to reference laboratory on dry ice.

Haem - RXH

Anti-Gliadin IgA antibodies Anti-Gliadin (deamidated) IgA antibodies yellow gel

N.B. Patient must include gluten in diet to avoid false negative results. Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable.

Only submit clotted sample, as Plasma samples CANNOT be used.

Immuno

Anti-Gliadin IgG antibodies Anti-Gliadin (deamidated) IgG antibodies yellow gel

N.B. Patient must include gluten in diet to avoid false negative results. Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable.


Immuno

Anti-IgE receptor Ab yellow gel Samples batched and sent overseas for testing approximately every 3 months. Immuno

Anti-parietal cell antibody Parietal cell antibody yellow gel Immuno

Anti-phopspholipid antibody

Test for the following: Anti-cardiolipin antibody IgG and IgM. Anti-B2-Glycoprotein IgG and IgM.


Anti-thrombin III AT3 blue blueTo reach lab within 4hrs or contact lab if delay. Clinical haematologist authorisation required


Apolipoprotein B gene Apo B binding defective purple 2 x 5mL EDTA; arrange with lipid lab beforehand. Informed consent required


Lipid (Non NHLS)

Apolipoprotein E gene Apo E purple 2 X 5mL EDTA; do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Lipid (Non NHLS)

Apoprotein A Apo A yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Apoprotein B Apo B yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Aristaless-related homeobox gene (X-linked mental retardation) ARXdup24 purple or amniotic fluid

For all tests please use the NHLS Genetic and Metabolic request form, and provide information regarding the relevant family history and any previous genetic testing

2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed

To be transported cooled but NOT FROZEN. Should reach the laboratory within 3 days.

Genetics (molec)

Arsenic yellow gel yellow gelNo seafood 72 hours before blood test. Keep at room temperature. Arrange with lab beforehand.


Arsenic, hair hair plus roots hair plus roots

No seafood 72 hours before blood test. At least 100mg hair plus roots - mark root end with a piece of cotton. Arrange with lab beforehand.


Arsenic, nails nails nailsNo seafood 72 hours before test. At least 100mg nails. Arrange with lab beforehand.


Arsenic, urine random urine random urine

No seafood 72 hours before test. Requires 25ml urine. Keep at room temperature. Arrange with lab beforehand.


Aryl sulphatase A, leukocyte green green Requires control sample. Arrange with lab beforehand. NB!! Do NOT centrifuge. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Aryl sulphatase A, plasma green green Requires control sample. Arrange beforehand. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

ASOT Streptococcal serology (ASOT) yellow gel

Daily batches during the day-Mon-Friday. Sat-Sun one batch in the morning. (Test performed at TBH Immunology)

Micro

Aspartate transaminae AST yellow gel green Chem

Aspergillus precipitins Aspergillus serology yellow gelUsually batched, but urgent tests can be performed by special arrangement. (Test performed at GSH Allergology)

Micro

Aspirate culture

Fluid culture; Sterile fluid culture; Joint, pleural, ascitic, pericardial or peritoneal fluid culture

Sterile screw-top tube or sealed syringe. Purple (if cell count required)

Fluid/aspirate can be submitted on a sterile swab but this is not ideal. Specimens from existing drain sites will not be accepted for culture. Specimens must be collected by direct aspiration or at the time of insertion of the drain. If cell count required please submit a purple-top tube with this requested (will be performed by Haematology).

Micro

Aspirate microscopy

Fluid microscopy; Microscopy (fluid); Joint, pleural, ascitic, pericardial or peritoneal fluid microscopy

Sterile screw-top tube or sealed syringe. Purple (if cell count required)

Fluid/aspirate can be submitted on a sterile swab but this is not ideal. Specimens from existing drain sites will not be accepted for culture. Specimens must be collected by direct aspiration or at the time of insertion of the drain. If cell count required please submit a purple-top tube with this requested (will be performed by Haematology).

Micro

B2-Glycoprotein IgG Anti-B2-Glycoprotein IgG. Anti-phopspholipid antibody yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially


B2-Glycoprotein IgM Anti-B2-Glycoprotein IgM. Anti-phopspholipid antibody yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially


Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS1and 10) purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

BARTH syndrome whole gene screen TAZ1 gene purple

Only after confirmation of positive biochemical test. Must be arranged with laboratory. Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

Bartonella antibodies Bartonella serology Test not recommended by NICD as results are not interpretable in SA context Micro

Bartonella culture and PCR investigation for culture-negative endocarditis purple EDTA tubes x 2

Research test performed at NICD. Clinician must complete special request form, available at reception

Micro

BCR/ABL p190 Qualitative PCR for BCR-ABL - ALL purple purple At least 2x 5ml. Immediately on ice/ to lab

within 24 hrs Send on ice C21Molecular haem

BCR/ABL p210 Qualitative PCR for BCR-ABL - CML purple purple At least 2x 5ml. Immediately on ice/ to lab

within 24 hrs on ice Send on ice C21Molecular haem

BCR/ABL quantification Quantitative PCR for BCR-ABL (p210); QRPCR purple purple At least 2x 5ml. Immediately on ice/ to lab

within 24 hrs Send on ice C21Molecular haem

Bence Jones Protein, urine timed urine collection Collect urine in Bence Jones Protein preservative

Collect urine in Bence Jones Protein preservative Chem

Beta-2 microglobulin Microglobulin, beta-2 yellow gel yellow gel Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Beta-2 transferrin CSF electrophoresis; CSF rule out test plain tube plain tube Plain tube Chem

Beta-D-glucan Fungitell yellow gel Sent to NHLS Johannesburg - batched three times a week

Store and transport at 2-8° C Micro

Beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin yellow gel yellow gel

For transport <72hrs separate serum and send on ice. If >72hrs separate serum and send frozen on dry ice

Chem

Bilharzia Urine screw-top tube Request for bilharzia specifically as this test is not routinely done. Micro

Bilharzia IFAT Bilharzia serology; Schistosomal serology yellow gel Usually batched. Performed weekly.(Test

performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

Bilirubin, conjugated yellow gel green ChemBilirubin, total yellow gel green ChemBilirubin, total, fluid plain tube plain tube Sample should be protected from light Chem

Bilirubin, urine (qualitative dipstix) random urine random urineProtect from light: sample must be wrapped in tin foil or black paper. Deliver to lab within 4 hours.

Chem

Biotinidase enzyme activity yellow gel Arrange with lab in advance. Deliver to lab immediately. Chem IMD

Biotinidase whole gene screen purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

BK virus PCR, blood purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

BK virus PCR, urine urine Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Bleeding time performed directly on patient performed directly on patient. Please book this procedure by contacting

laboratory. N/A Haem

Blood culture Culture (blood) Blood culture bottle

Ideally two sets of of blood cultures should be taken from separate venipuncture sites, using aseptic technique. Volume of blood should be the maximum amount indicated on the bottle- 10ml for adult bottle, 4ml for paediatric bottles. DO NOT STICK LABEL UNDERNEATH BOTTOM of BOTTLE OR OVER BOTTLE BAR CODES.

Micro

Blood Group/Red cell Antibody identification Red cell antibodies purple purple Send to blood bank at RXH. 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 5ml blood needed

Room temperature - should reach the lab in less than 3 days

Haem

Blood Grouping (ABO & Rh) for transplantation cases gold - ACD 2ml purple / 0.5ml pink

microtainer/ yellow gelBlood grouping is only done for transplantation cases. Tissue Immuno

Bone marrow biopsy Aspirate and trephine Test must be booked in advanceSeparate aspirate slides from trephine biopsy when transporting

Haem

Bordetella pertussis PCR Whooping cough PCR Sterile screw-top tube Sputum, tracheal aspirate, nasopharyngeal aspirates Micro

Brucella ELISA Brucella serology yellow gel Usually batched. Done weekly. (Test performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

C1-esterase inhibitor concentration yellow gel Sample sent to Tshwane Immunology Laboratory Immuno

C3 Complement yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

C4 Complement yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

CA 125 yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

CA 15-3 yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

CA 19-9 yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Caeruloplasmin yellow gel yellow gel Not offered at GSH/RxH ChemCalcitonin yellow gel yellow gel Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Calcium, ionised capped heparinised syringe, no air bubble

capped heparinised syringe, no air bubble

Deliver on ice within 30 minutes. RXH: arrange with lab beforehand. Chem

Calcium, total yellow gel green ChemCalcium, urine random or timed urine random or timed urine Collect urine in acid (urine pH <3) ChemCalculus analysis Stone analysis clinical specimen clinical specimen Chem

Carboxyhaemoglobin green greenNB!! Completely filled tube (5ml). No air. Deliver to lab immediately on ice. Arrange with lab beforehand.

Chem

Carcinoembryonic antigen CEA yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Carnitine profile green or yellow gel green or yellow gel Arrange with chem path registrar. Deliver to lab immediately.

Arrange with chem path registrar (RxH). Deliver to lab immediately

Chem

CD34 CD34 collection; CD34 stem cells

purple / apheresis bag collection

Room temperature - should reach the lab in less than 1 day

Haem

CD4 PLG CD4; CD4 for ARV purple Reach lab in <48 hours Haem

CD64 CD64 PMN; marker for sepsis purple

Room temperature - should reach the lab in less than 1 day

Haem

Cell count, ascitic purple purple <24 hours old Haem

Cell count, CSF Sterile screw-top tube

Submit in sterile screw-topped tube. DO NOT SUBMIT IN CLOT-ACTIVATING TUBES OR TUBES WITH ANY OTHER ADDITIVES.

Micro

Cell count, CSF sterile tube sterile tube <1 hour old (optimal) HaemCell count, pleural purple purple <24 hours old Haem

Centromere Ab yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable. Immuno

Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis CTX; CYP27A1 purple/dry blood spot Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

CF (Cystic fibrosis) genetic analysis Delta F508; 3120+1 G-A; CF 30 gene screen purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 days


Chem IMD

CFTR whole gene screen CF purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

Chimerism analysis genotyping, Bone marrow engraftment, STR purple purple 1X 5ml peripheral blood. To reach lab

within 3 days Send whole blood at RT C21Molecular haem

Chlamydia antibody testing Chlamydia pneumoniae, C. psittaci and C. trachomatis Yellow gel

Not available (testing at STIRC, NICD is for surveillance or research purposes only)

Micro

Chlamydia antigen detection Chlamydia DFAT Pus swab from infected site We no longer offer this test Micro

Chlamydia PCR Pus swab from genital site, urine

Not routinely required if syndromic management utilised. Test performed at STIRC, NICD, Jhb.

Micro

Chloride yellow gel green ChemChloride, CSF plain tube plain tube ChemChloride, stool watery stool watery stool ChemChloride, urine random urine random urine Chem

Cholera Culture for Vibrio cholerae stool or rectal swabPlease indicate this request on the form as this is NOT part of the routine culture for stool.

Must be transported in Cary-Blair media and specimens must be refrigerated for transport

Micro

Cholesterol, total yellow gel green Chem

Cholinesterase Pseudocholinesterase yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice Chem

Chromogranin A CGA yellow gel yellow gel Rest for 30min pre-test. Deliver to lab on ice. Arrange with lab. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Chromosome analysis (constitutional disorders)

Karyotype (constitutional disorders)

green tube or green neonatal tube (heparin); amniotic fluid: sterile containers supplied by lab

green tube or green neonatal tube (heparin)

CVS and Skin to be sent in transport medium or sterile saline. Please alert lab in advance for CVS and skin samples. Do NOT freeze samples and transport immediately / urgently to the lab.

Store between 2 to 8°C. DO NOT FREEZE. Genetics (cyto)

Chylomicrons, fluid plain tube plain tube Chem

Citrate, urine random or timed urine random or timed urine Collect urine in acid (urine pH < 3). Collect urine in acid (urine pH < 3). Chem

Citrulline yellow gel Chem IMD

Clostridium difficile PCRPseudomembranous colitis/ C. difficile toxin/ C. difficile test/ GenXpert C.diff

Watery stool (rejected if formed stool is received)

Only from inpatients with diarrhoea starting >72 hours after admission. Electronic Gatekeeping limits testing to one test in 2 month period.

Stools can be transported at room temperature for up to 24 hours and can be stored at 2 °C - 8 °C for up to 5 days.

Micro

CMV IgG Cytomegalovirus IgG yellow gel

Please send a full tube for viral serology. In case of TORCH screen, please consult a virologist for appropriate test, or specify viruses to be tested.

Viro

CMV IgM Cytomegalovirus IgM yellow gel


Viro

CMV PCR, aspirate Cytomegalovirus PCR aspirate Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

CMV PCR, biopsy material Cytomegalovirus PCR biopsy in saline Never in formalin for virological testing Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

CMV PCR, CSF Cytomegalovirus PCR CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

CMV PCR, urine Cytomegalovirus PCR urine Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

CMV viral load, blood purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

CMV viral load, CSF CSF Arrange with pathologist Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

CO2 total Bicarbonate yellow gel green Chem

Cold agglutinin titre Cold Agglutinin screen purple purple Arrange with lab in advance. Blood to be taken and kept at 37 degrees celcius Must be performed on site Haem

Complement, Total Total haemolytic complement yellow gel

Only submit clotted sample, as Plasma samples CANNOT be used. Deliver clotted blood sample to lab on ice (up to 4 hours). If > 4 hours, serum should be submitted frozen at -20oC. Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable as incomplete lysis may occur.

Only submit clotted sample, as Plasma samples CANNOT be used. Deliver clotted blood sample to lab on ice (up to 4 hours). If > 4 hours, serum should be submitted frozen at -20oC. Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable as incomplete lysis may occur.

Immuno

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase) (CYP21A2) whole gene screen CAH; CY21A2 purple purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5

days.


Chem IMD

Copper Cu yellow gel yellow gel Deliver to lab on ice. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Copper, liver Wilson's disease liver biopsy No additive. Deliver to lab at room temperature.

Discuss with pathologist. Send biopsy on dry ice Chem IMD

Copper, urine timed urine (2 hours) timed urine (2 hours) Do not collect in a glass or metal container. Deliver to lab on ice. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Corneal scrapings2 slides labelled on frosted edge, 1 BHI plate and broth

Kits available in C18 Micro

Cortisol yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Cortisol, saliva salivette salivette Saliva to be collected in a salivette (obtainable from lab) only. Chem

Cortisol, urine 24 hour urine 24 hour urine Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Coxiella IFAT Q Fever serology yellow gel Usually batched. Performed weekly. (Test performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

Coxsackie B antibody titre yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

CPEO (Chronic progressive external ophthalmaplegia) mtDNA deletions muscle biopsy preferred Frozen. Deliver to lab immediately / on dry

ice Send muscle on dry ice Chem IMD

C-peptide yellow gel yellow gel Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

CPT2 (Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II) whole gene screen CPTase purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 days


Chem IMD

C-reactive protein CRP yellow gel green ChemCreatine kinase CK yellow gel green ChemCreatine kinase MB CKMB yellow gel green ChemCreatinine yellow gel green Chem

Creatinine clearance 24 hour urine and yellow gel 24 hour urine and green Submit blood sample taken within

collection period Chem

Creatinine, fluid plain tube plain tube ChemCreatinine, urine random or timed urine random or timed urine Chem

Crigler-Najjar (UGT1A whole gene screen) Hyperbilirubinemia / Gilbert syndrome purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5

days.


Chem IMD

Cryoglobulins yellow gel yellow gel Collect and deliver specimen at 37°C. Chem

Cryptococcus antigen detection, blood CLAT; Cryptococcal latex agglutination test yellow gel Micro

Cryptococcus antigen detection, CSF CLAT; Cryptococcal latex agglutination test Sterile screw-top tube Micro

Crystals Urate crystals joint fluid Micro

CSF culture Cerebrospinal fluid culture; Culture (CSF) Sterile screw-top tube

Cryptococcal detection methods are performed on all HIV+ patients (if this information is provided), otherwise only if indicated by request and/or cell counts and history provided. TB culture will be performed if indicated by request and/or cell counts and history provided.

Transport at room temperature as sending on ice may affect the culture of some fastidious organisms

Micro

CSF microscopyCerebrospinal fluid microscopy; Microscopy (CSF)

Sterile screw-top tube

A Gram stain is performed on all CSFs. Microscopy for cryptococcus is performed on all HIV positive patients (if this information is provided) otherwise only if indicated by the cell count result and history provided. TB microscopy is performed only on request or when indicated by the cell count and history provided.

Micro

Cyclosporine purple purple GSH specimens to be sent directly to Pharmacology


Chem

Cysticercus ELISA

Cysticercus serology/(Neuro)cysticercosis/Antibodies to Taenia solium

yellow gel Usually batched. Performed weekly. (Test performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

Cystine, leukocytes green green Minimum 4ml required. Do not freeze Green, minimum 4ml. Do not freeze Chem

Cystine, urine timed urine collection or random urine

timed urine collection or random urine

Refrigerate specimen during collection. Deliver to lab on ice. Send urine frozen on dry ice Chem

Cystinosis whole gene screen CTNS purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

Cytogenetics/chromosome analysis (haematological cancer) Karyotyping green, bone marrow in

heparin tube green, bone marrow in heparin tube Pre book and to be delivered <1hr. Store between 2 to 8°C. DO

NOT FREEZE. Genetics (cyto)

Cytomegalovirus pp65 antigenaemia assay PP65 N/A N/A No longer available. Request CMV viral load. Not available Viro

Cytospin, ascitic fluid purple or sterile purple or sterile Sample as fresh as possible. >2ml needed <24 hours old Haem

Cytospin, CSF CSF Cytospin purple or sterile purple or sterile Sample as fresh as possible. >1ml needed <1 hour old Haem

Cytospin, pleural fluid purple or sterile purple or sterile Sample as fresh as possible. >2ml needed <24 hours old Haem

D-dimers blue blue To be delivered within 6hrs To be delivered within 6hrs Haem

Dentatorubral palidolyusian atrophy DRPLA purple or amniotic fluid 3 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Deoxypyridinoline, urine random urine random urine Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

DHEAS yellow gel yellow gel


Chem

Differential count White Cell differential purple purple Deliver immediately to the laboratory. Do NOT refrigerate.

Sample must be < 24 hours old Haem

Direct Coombs test Coombs, DAGT purple purple <24 hours old Haem

Disputed Paternity Testing Please contact laboratory for further information .We do not offer this service Tissue Immuno

DNA extraction purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Testing for exonic deletions/duplications (MLPA)

purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed.


Genetics (molec)

Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DMD): microsatellite linkage analysis purple or amniotic fluid

2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed. Microsatellite markers for gene tracking.


Genetics (molec)

EBV EBNA IgG

EBV serology; EBV IgG; EBV IgM; Epstein Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen IgG; EBNA IgG, Monospot

yellow gel

For EBV serology requests, EBV EBNA IgG will be performed, followed by reflex testing if indicated. Please specify if reflex IgM testing is desired. Please send a full tube for viral serology.

Viro

EBV Monospot Not available as primary request N/A


Viro

EBV PCR Epstein Barr Virus PCR biopsy in saline Viral load is performed on blood and CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

EBV VCA IgM Not available as primary request N/A


Viro

EBV Viral load, blood purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

EBV Viral load, CSF CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Echinococcus ELISA Hydatid serology yellow gel Usually batched(Tuesdays). (Test performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

Elastase, stool random stool sample random stool sample Minimum 5ml Discuss with registar a RxH Chem

ENA

Extractable nuclear antigen; consists of anti-SmD (Smith) antibody (using the SmD3 peptide) & anti-RNP70 (ribonucleoprotein) antibody. Reference range changed for SmD: <7 U/ml = negative; 7-10 U/ml = equivocal; >10 U/ml = positive.


Enterovirus PCR, CSF CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Enterovirus PCR, stool stool Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Enterovirus PCR, throat throat swab Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate ESR, Westergren black or purple purple <12 hours old HaemErythropoietin yellow gel yellow gel Not done at GSH/RxH Chem

Estradiol yellow gel yellow gel


Chem

Factor II blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay.


Factor inhibitor assay Inhibitor assay blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. At least 8ml blood


Factor inhibitor screen blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. At least 8ml blood


Factor IX blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. At least 8ml blood


Factor V blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. At least 8ml blood


Factor V Leiden PCR Factor V; FV mutation purple purple 1X5ml tube. To reach lab within 3 days. Send whole blood at RT C21Molecular haem

Factor VII blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. At least 8ml blood


Factor VIII blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. At least 8ml blood


Factor X blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. At least 8ml blood


Factor XI blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. At least 8ml blood


Factor XII blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. At least 8ml blood


Factor XIII Urea clot lysis time blue blue Frozen citrated plasma - kept on dry ice Haem

Fanconi's anaemia Chromosomal breakage analysis heparin heparin Fresh sample. At least 8ml blood needed Store between 2 to 8°C. DO

NOT FREEZE. Genetics (cyto)

Ferritin yellow gel yellow gel Chem

Fibrinogen blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay.


Fibroblasts Tissue culture skin biopsySterile in tissue culture medium or saline. Do not freeze. Arrange with lab beforehand.

Chem IMD

FISH (Aneuploidy)

Down Syndrome, Edward & Patau syndrome, Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome



Discuss with lab in advance. At least 4ml amniotic fluid in sterile tube needed


FISH (haematological cancer)

bone marrow in heparin tube (green)/purple (EDTA) tube/bone marrow slides

bone marrow in heparin tube (green)/purple (EDTA) tube/bone marrow slides

Discuss with lab/haematologist in advance


FISH (microdeletions)

Di George, Prader Willi, Angelman, Williams Beuren, Smith-Magenis, Miller-Dieker, Phelan-McDermid



At least 4ml amniotic fluid needed in sterile tube


Flow cytometry/ immunophenotyping, bone marrow or blood purple purple Must be booked in advance - keep

sample at room temp

Sample must be < 24 hours old. Transfix may be used in situation where a time delay is inevitable

Haem

FLT3 AL mutation FLT3 TK ; FLT3 D835; FLT3 AL purple purple

1X 5ml peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate (preferred sample). To reach lab within 3 days

Send whole blood or BM at RT C21Molecular haem

FLT3 ITD mutation FLT3 ITD purple purple 1X 5ml peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate (preferred sample). To reach lab within 3 days


FLT3 mutations (ITD and AL) FLT3 mutations purple purple1X 5ml peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate (preferred sample). To reach lab within 3 days


FNA Fine needle aspirates

Aspiration of solid masses require smearing and immediate fixaion (<5s) on a slide. Aspiration of fluids should be placed in sterile empty 50-100 ml containers with equal volume 50% alcohol.

Prior booking required and should be arranged with lab at RXH or GSH depending on location. Arrange with lab staff to perform smears.

Slides should be clearly labelled with pencil and placed in a slide holder. Please check fluids aspirated are fixed with equal volumes of 50-70% alcohol.

Cytology

Folate, red cell Red cell folate purple purpleRequires minimum 2x5ml blood. Deliver to lab on ice. Must be separate specimen from other tests.

Not offered due to instability Chem

Folate, serum yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice Chem

Follicle stimulating hormone FSH yellow gel yellow gel Yellow gel tube or serum at RT Chem

Fragile X syndrome FRAXA purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Free fatty acids FFA yellow gel or grey or green yellow gel or grey or green 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed Discuss with registar a RxH Chem

Free light chains yellow gel yellow gel 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Free T3 FT3; thyroid hormone (free T3), triidothyronine yellow gel yellow gel 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml

blood neededSeparate serum and send on ice Chem

Free T4 FT4; thyroxine; tetraiodothyronine yellow gel green or yellow gel Separate serum and send

on ice Chem

Friedreich’s Ataxia FRDA purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Frozen sections Fresh, unfixed, clearly marked. 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed

Please contact the laboratory (currently offered onsite at GSH , Red X and 2Mil).

Histology GSH

Fructosamine yellow gel yellow gel 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

FTA, CSF Syphilis serology (FTA)CSF (serum FTA has been replaced by the TP assay - see syphilis serology)

2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). Micro

Full Blood Count FBC; CBC; Complete Blood Count; Blood count purple purple Sample must be < 24 hours

old Haem

Fungal culture Culture (fungal) Sample from infected site MicroFungal microscopy Microscopy (fungal) Sample from infected site Micro

G6PD Screen and AssayGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency screening

purple purple Fresh sampleKeep sample at 40C and refer to reference laboratory within 7 days of sampling.

Haem - RXH

GALT (Galactosemia) enzyme activity Galactose-1 phosphate uridyl transferase deficiency green green

Minimum 4ml. Requires control sample. Arrange with lab. Do NOT centrifuge. Recent blood transfusion contra-indicates test. Patient to be on galactose (lactose) containing diet.

Minimum 4ml. Requires control sample. Arrange with lab. Do NOT centrifuge. Recent blood transfusion contra-indicates test. Patient to be on galactose (lactose) containing diet

Chem

GALT (Galactosemia) point mutation analysis

Galactose-1 phosphate uridyl transferase deficiency purple

Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 days. Recent blood transfusion contra-indicates test.


Chem IMD

Gamma glutamyl transferase GGT yellow gel green Chem

Gastrin yellow gel yellow gel Fresh blood (less than 1 hour old) required. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

GBM Ab Anti - glomerular basement membrane yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially


GeneXpert MTB/Rif TB PCR/ GeneXpert/Xpert Respiratory specimens

Performed routinely on respiratory samples according to national guidelines. Extra-pulmonary specimens are not accepted. This may change depending on decisions by National and Provincial Departments of Health.

Micro

Gentamicin yellow gel green 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed Chem

Glucose grey green or grey 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed Chem

Glucose, CSF grey plain tube Recommended simultaneous blood glucose measurement. Chem

Glucose, fluid grey plain tube Chem

Glucose, urine (dipstix) random urine random urine Deliver immediately to lab on ice within 4 hours. Chem

Glutaric Acidemia Type 1 common mutation (A293T)

Glutaric Aciduria / GA1/ GAT1/GCDH gene purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 days


Chem IMD

Glutaric Acidemia Type 1 whole gene screen

Glutaric Aciduria / GA1/ GAT1/GCDH gene purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 days


Chem IMD

Glutathione synthetase whole gene screen GSS purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

Glycated haemoglobin HbA1c purple purple Chem

Glycine, CSF plain tube CSF and yellow gel plain tube CSF and green Submit simultaneous yellow gel or green

top blood sample. Send frozen on dry ice in plain tube Chem

Gradient gel electrophoresis for VLDL, IDL, LDL

LDL particle size; dysbetalipoproteinaemia; Type lll hyperlipidaemia; lipoprotein X

purple 1 x 5mL EDTA; do NOT freeze.


Lipid (Non NHLS)

Growth hormone GH yellow gel yellow gel Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Haemoglobin Hb; Hemoglobin purple purple Sample must be < 72 hours old Haem

Haemoglobin A2 Thalassaemia testing/haemoglobin studies purple purple Clinical haematologist authorisation

requiredSample must be < 72 hours old Haem

Haemoglobin electrophoresis/HPLC Thalassaemia testing/haemoglobin studies purple purple Clinical haematologist authorisation


Haemoglobin F Thalassaemia testing/haemoglobin studies purple purple Clinical haematologist authorisation


Haemoglobin H inclusion bodies Hb H purple purple Sample must be < 24 hours old Haem

Hain test TB PCRSputum, tracheal aspirate and other respiratory samples.

The Hain test is performed to confirm GeneXpert rifampicin resistant samples and may be performed directly on smear positive sputum. It will provide rifampicin and isoniazid susceptibility results

Micro

Ham's test see PNH flow see PNH flow Discontinued Haem

Haptoglobin yellow gel yellow gel Yellow gel tube or serum at RT Chem

HDL cholesterol yellow gel yellow gel Chem

Heinz Bodies purple purple 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Helicobacter pylori antibodies yellow gel Performed at Tswane laboratory Micro

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia HIT yellow gel 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed

2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed. <24 hours old

Haem

Hepatitis A IgG yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

Hepatitis A IgM yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

Hepatitis B Core antibody (total) yellow gel Detects exposure to the virus / previous infection Viro

Hepatitis B Core IgM yellow gel Detects acute infection / reactivation ViroHepatitis B drug resistance testing (Lamivudine) yellow / purple Only performed if Hepatitis B viral load is

detectableSend at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Hepatitis B e Ab yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

Hepatitis B e Ag yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

Hepatitis B PCR Liver biopsy in saline Viral load is performed on blood ViroHepatitis B s Ab yellow gel Detects immunity ViroHepatitis B s Ag yellow gel Detects current infection. Viro

Hepatitis B Viral load yellow / purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Hepatitis C Antibody yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

Hepatitis C PCR purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Hepatitis C Viral genotyping purple Only performed if Hepatitis C PCR positive

Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Hepatitis C Viral load purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Herpes simplex virus IgG HSV IgG yellow gel


Viro

Herpes simplex virus IgM HSV IgM yellow gel


Viro

Herpes simplex virus PCR, aspirate HSV PCR aspirate Viro

Herpes simplex virus PCR, biopsy material HSV PCR biopsy in saline Never in formalin for virological testing Viro

Herpes simplex virus PCR, CSF HSV PCR CSF ViroHerpes simplex virus PCR, swab HSV PCR swab ViroHHV6 IgG Human Herpes Virus 6 IgG N/A No longer available. See HHV6 PCR. Viro

HHV6 IgM Human Herpes Virus 6 IgM N/A No longer available. See HHV6 PCR. Viro

HHV6 PCR, blood purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

HHV6 PCR, CSF CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

HHV8 PCR, aspirate aspirate Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

HHV8 PCR, biopsy material biopsy in saline Never in formalin for virological testing Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Histology (routine)

Empty sterile bottles/buckets containing ample amounts of 10%formalin

Blue / Lilac lid container in 10 % formalin

Specimens should be sent in tightly sealed containers with adequate amounts of 10% formalin.

Histology GSH

Histoplasma serology yellow gelUsually batched, but urgent tests can be performed by special arrangement. (Test performed at GSH Allergology)

Micro

Histoplasma urine antigen test

Urine, a tissue biopsy sample for culture and EDTA blood for staining may also be sent

Test is currently being validated and is performed at the Mycology reference unit NICD free of charge. A special form giving essential patient information must be completed. Forms available in microbiology reception.

Send at 2-4°C Micro

HIV 1 Western Blot yellow gel

Please send a full tube for viral serology. This will only be done after consultation with a virologist, and if indicated by routine serology.

Only primary tubes will be tested. Aliquots sent in secondary tubes will be rejected.

Viro

HIV 1/2 4th generation ELISA yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology.


Viro

HIV 1/2 rapid test (antibody) yellow gel purple Only done after hours on occupational exposure cases


Viro

HIV 2 Western Blot yellow gel Not available Not available Viro

HIV rapid - after hours HIV, Rapid yellow gel

Performed by Micro/Chem on behalf of the Virology lab in cases of sharps injury after 16h00 and before 08h00. Other reasons for testing must be motivated with the Virology consultant on call

Micro

HIV-1 drug resistance testing purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

HIV-1 p24 Antigen yellow gel Only performed if indicated by routine serology. Request HIV ELISA.


Viro

HIV-1 PCR purple Not performed on persons over the age of 18 months


HIV-1 Viral Load purple / plasma separation tube


HLA – Class I Serological Typing HLA-AB Tissue Typing gold - ACDPlease contact the laboratory to discuss volume of blood to be taken

Mix tube thoroughly to prevent clotting. Sample not to be more than 24 hours old on arrival in lab. At least 10ml sample taken at GSH

Send whole blood at Room Temperature Tissue Immuno

HLA antibody screening and identificationHLA Serum Screening. HLA Cytotoxic Antibodies Lymphocytoxic Antibodies

yellow gel Tissue Immuno

HLA Crossmatching – Class I Crossmatchpatient: yellow gel and golden (ACD) . potential donor: golden (ACD)

Please contact the laboratory to discuss volume of blood to be taken

Mix yellow tubes without gel thoroughly to prevent clotting. Sample not to be more than 24 hours old on arrival in lab.

Send whole blood at Room Temperature Tissue Immuno

HLA Typing – DNA-PCR – High Resolution per allele purple


If other DNA typing is requested no further samples are needed. At least 25ml blood needed (5 tubes)

Tissue Immuno

HLA Typing Class I – DNA-PCR – Low Resolution per locus

HLA-A or B or Cw DNA Typing. HLA Class I DNA typing

purple Please contact the laboratory to discuss volume of blood to be taken

Mix thoroughly to prevent clotting. At least 25ml blood needed (5 tubes) Tissue Immuno

HLA Typing Class II – DNA-PCR – Low Resolution per locus

HLA Class II DNA typing. HLA-DRB1, DQB1 typing purple


If other DNA typing is requested no further samples are needed. At least 25ml blood needed (5 tubes)

Tissue Immuno

HLA-B27 or other test for a specific HLA antigen purple Mix tube thoroughly to prevent clotting.

At least 10ml blood needed (2 tubes) Tissue Immuno

Homocysteine purple purple Recommend fasting and 6h post methionine load. Deliver to lab on ice. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Homovanillic acid, urine HVA 24 hour urine 3 spot urines collected in tube containing HCl Collect urine in acid (urine pH < 3)

Collect urine in acid (pH<3). The correct ratio is 10ml urine to 0.25ml 6M HCl.

Chem

HTLV-1 PCR, blood purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

HTLV-1 PCR, CSF CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Huntington and Huntington-like Disease HD and HDL2 purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Hyperlipidaemia type 1 gene Lipoprotein lipase purple/dry blood spot Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days. Chem IMD

Hypoxanthine phosphoribose tranferase whole gene screen HPRT; Lesch-Nyhan purple Discuss with lab beforehand. Do not

freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

IgA yellow gel yellow gel Yellow gel tube or serum at RT Chem

IgG yellow gel yellow gel Yellow gel tube or serum at RT Chem

IgG index, CSF plain tube CSF and yellow gel plain tube CSF and yellow gel Submit simultaneous yellow gel blood

sample. Send CSF on ice Chem

IgM yellow gel yellow gel Yellow gel tube or serum at RT Chem

Immunofixation Serum protein immunofixation yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send

on ice Chem

INR Prothrombin time; Warfarin monitoring blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs Frozen citrated plasma -

kept on dry ice Haem

Insulin yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice Chem

Insulin - like growth factor 1 IGF 1 yellow gel yellow gel Not offered at GSH/RxH ChemIron Fe yellow gel yellow gel Must reach lab within 30 minutes ChemIsopropanol stability test purple Fresh Haem

JAK2 V617F JAK2 purple purple 1X 5ml peripheral blood. To reach lab within 3 days Send whole blood at RT C21Molecular haem

JC virus PCR, CSF CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Jo Ab Anti Jo antibody yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable. Immuno

Ketones (qualitative) yellow gel green Chem

Ketones, acetoacetate grey, green or yellow gel grey, green or yellow gelNB Arrange with chem path registrar. Minimum 1ml blood. Deliver on ice within 30 minutes.

Discuss with registar a RxH Chem

Ketones, beta-hydroxybutyrate grey, green or yellow gel grey, green or yellow gelNB Arrange with chem path registrar. Minimum 1ml blood. Deliver on ice within 30 minutes.

Discuss with registar a RxH Chem

Ketones, urine (dipstix) random urine random urine Deliver immediately to lab on ice within 4 hours. Chem

KIR genotyping purple Consult laboratory We do not offer this test Tissue ImmunoKleihauer Test purple purple Fresh sample. Maternal blood Fresh Haem

KSS (Kearn-Sayers Syndrome) mtDNA deletions Muscle biopsy preferred Frozen. Deliver to lab immediately / on dry ice Send muscle on dry ice Chem IMD

La Ab & Ro Ab Anti-La antibody & Anti-Ro antibody yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially


Lactate grey grey Deliver on ice. Not offered due to instability Chem

Lactate dehydrogenase LDH yellow gel green ChemLactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes LDH isoenzymes yellow gel yellow gel ChemLactate dehydrogenase, fluid LDH plain tube plain tube Chem

Lactate, CSF grey grey Deliver on ice. Not offered due to instability Chem

Lead Pb purple purple Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Legionella antigen detection Legionella urinary antigen test Urine Micro

Legionella IFAT Legionella serology/ legionella antibodies yellow gel Usually batched. Performed weekly. (Test

performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

LEIGHS (mitochondrial DNA) purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

LEIGHS (mitochondrial DNA) skin biopsy 2 to 8 °C. DO NOT FREEZE. Deliver to lab immediately. Chem IMD

LEIGHS (mitochondrial DNA) muscle biopsy Frozen. Deliver to lab immediately / on dry ice Send muscle on dry ice Chem IMD

Leptospira ELISA Leptospira serology yellow gel Test performed weekly. (Test performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase Neutrophil alkaline phosphatase, NAP; LAP purple

Must be done on fresh finger prick sample - blood applied to slide

Arrange with lab in advance. <30min old specimen N/A Haem

LHON (Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy) purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

LHON (Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy) skin biopsy 2 to 8 °C. DO NOT FREEZE. Deliver to lab immediately. Chem IMD

LHON (Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy) muscle biopsy Frozen. Deliver to lab immediately / on dry ice Send muscle on dry ice Chem IMD

Lipase yellow gel yellow gel ChemLipid electrophoresis yellow gel yellow gel Fasting blood. Chem

Lipoprotein (a) yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Lithium yellow gel yellow gel NB! Lithium-free tube. Chem

LKM Ab Anti-liver, kidney, microsomal antibody yellow gel Immuno

Lupus AnticoagulantLAC Screen and Confirm; DRVVT; Dilute Russel's Viper Venom Time

blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. >15ml blood needed


Luteinizing hormone LH yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Lymphoblasts Lymphs green Do not freeze. Arrange with lab in advance. At least 10ml Chem IMD

Lymphocyte subset analysisT-cell subsets; CD3/CD4/CD8/CD45 (CD16,CD56 if indicated)

purple purple Room temp. DO NOT FREEZE. Reach lab within 24 hours.


MA Ab Anti-mitochondrial antibody yellow gel Immuno

Magnesium Mg yellow gel green Chem

Magnesium, urine timed urine collection or random urine random urine Collect urine in acid (urine pH < 3) Chem

Malaria investigation Thin and thick film; Malaria antigen test purple purple Sample must be <24 hours

old Haem

McArdle’s disease point mutation analysis Glycogen phosphorylase; PYGM purple/dry blood spot Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 days


Chem IMD

Measles IgG yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

Measles IgM Urine no longer required yellow gelSend with EPID form. See measles notification. IgM not available for routine diagnostics - request PCR.

Peripheral labs to send directly to NICD if possible Viro

Measles notification Urine no longer required yellow gel

Requires EPID form. Results available from NICD when processed, but this is meant for surveillance and not diagnostics.

Peripheral labs to send directly to NICD if possible Viro

Measles PCR, CSF CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Measles PCR, throat throat swab Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Measles PCR, urine urine Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Medium chain Acyl Coenzyme A dehydrogenase point mutation analysis MCAD; ACADM purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 days


Chem IMD

MELAS purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

MELAS Muscle biopsy preferred Frozen. Deliver to lab immediately / on dry ice Send muscle on dry ice Chem IMD

Mercury Hg purple purple Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

MERRF purple DO NOT FREEZE. Reach lab within 5 days. Chem IMD

MERRF Muscle biopsy preferred Frozen. Deliver to lab immediately / on dry ice Send muscle on dry ice Chem IMD

Metabolic screen, urine random urine random urine Minimum 10ml. Deliver immediately to lab on ice. Send urine frozen on dry ice Chem

Metanephrines fractionated, urine Individual normetanephrine and metanephrine levels 24 hour urine 24 hour urine Collect urine in acid (urine pH < 3).

Please supply patient height and weight. As described adjacent Chem

Methaemoglobin MHb green greenNB!! Completely filled tube (5ml). No air. Deliver to lab immediately on ice. Arrange with lab beforehand.

Chem

Methotrexate yellow gel yellow gel ChemMethyltetrahydrofolate reductase mutation PCR

MTHFR mutation PCR C677T purple purple 1X 5ml peripheral blood. To reach lab


Microdeletion syndromes:

1p36 deletion syndrome; 2p16 microdeletion; 3q29 microdeletion; 9q22.3 microdeletion; 15q24 deletion syndrome; 17q21 microdeletion; 22q13 / Phelan-McDermid; Cri du Chat syndrome/5p15; DiGeorge syndrome/22q11; DiGeorge region 2/10p15; Langer-Giedion syndrome/8q; Miller-Dieker syndrome/17p; NF1 microdeletion syndrome; MECP2/Xq28 duplication; Prader-Willi / Angelman; Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome; Smith-Magenis syndrome; Sotos syndrome/5q35.3; Wagr syndrome; Williams syndrome; Wolf-Hirschhorn 4p16.3*

purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Microfilaria purple Arrange with lab in advance. <12 hours old Haem

Microsatellite Instability (MSI) MSI in Lynch syndrome using Bethesda markers

purple, fresh or parrafin embedded tumour tissue

2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Microsatellite Instability (MSI) for Lynch syndrome MSI

FFPE tumour and normal tissue (contact laboratory for details)

Ambient Genetics (molec)

Minor H genotyping mH antigens purple Consult laboratory We do not offer this test Tissue Immuno

Mitochondrial Polymerase G (POLG) whole gene POLG purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5

days.


Chem IMD

Mitochondrially encoded non-syndromic deafness MT RNR-1 / MT TS-1 purple DO NOT FREEZE. Reach lab within 5

days.


Chem IMD

Mt DNA mutations screen for MERRF, MELAS, NARP, Leighs purple DO NOT FREEZE. Reach lab within 5

days.


Chem IMD

Mt DNA mutations screen for MERRF, MELAS, NARP, Leighs skin biopsy 2 to 8 °C DO NOT FREEZE. Send to lab

immediately. Chem IMD

Mt DNA mutations screen for MERRF, MELAS, NARP, Leighs

Mt DNA mutations screen for MERRF, MELAS, NARP, Leighs

muscle biopsy Frozen. Deliver to lab immediately / on dry ice Send muscle on dry ice Chem IMD

Mucopolysaccharides Glycosaminoglycans random urine random urine Minimum 5ml urine. Deliver to lab immediately on ice. Arrange with lab. Send urine frozen on dry ice Chem

Mumps IgG yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

Mumps IgM yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

Mumps virus PCR, CSF CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Mumps virus PCR, saliva saliva Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Mumps virus PCR, urine urine Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Muramidase, serum Discontinued N/A Haem

Muramidase, urine Discontinued N/A Haem

Muscle biopsies Unfixed, wrapped in gauze Dampened in saline if delayed. Prior booking required.

Histology (Red Cross)

Mycoplasma IFAT Mycoplasma serology yellow gel Test performed at Immunology laboratory, Braamfontein, Jhb. Micro

Myoglobin green green Arrange with lab. Deliver to laboratory immediately. Chem

Myoglobin, urine (qualitative) random urine random urine Minimum 10ml. Deliver immediately to lab on ice. Chem

Myotonic Dystrophy (MYD) purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

NARP purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

NARP skin biopsy 2 to 8 °C DO NOT FREEZE. Send to lab immediately. Chem IMD

NARP muscle biopsy Frozen. Deliver to lab immediately / on dry ice Send muscle on dry ice Chem IMD

NAT2 haplotyping N-acetyl transferase2 purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

Nocardia culture Culture for Nocardia Sample from infected site Indicate request for Nocardia culture clearly on request form. Micro

NPM1 exon 12 mutations NPM1 purple purple1X 5ml peripheral blood or bone marrow aspirate (preferred sample). To reach lab within 3 days


NT- ProBNP green green Arrange with lab. Deliver to laboratory immediately. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

NTX, urine N-telopeptide, bone resorption marker random urine random urine Second morning urine. Protect from light

(wrap in foil). Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Occult blood, stool random stool random stool NB!!Deliver to lab immediately (within 8 hours). Not offered due to instability Chem

Oligoclonal bands, CSF plain tube CSF and yellow gel plain tube CSF and yellow gel Send simultaneous blood sample in

yellow gel. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Organic acids, urine random urine random urine Minimum 5ml. Deliver to lab immediately. Send urine frozen on dry ice Chem

Ornithine transcarbamylase gene screen OTC gene purple Do NOT freeze. Reach lab within 5 daysSend with cold block in cold box. Must reach lab within 5 days.

Chem IMD

Orotic acid Urea cycle disorder Random urine Arrange with lab beforehand. Chem IMD

Osmolality yellow gel green Separate specimen. Deliver to lab immediately on ice. Chem

Osmolality, stool watery stool watery stool Deliver to lab on ice. ChemOsmolality, urine random urine random urine ChemOsmotic Fragility Hereditary Spherocytosis purple purple Arrange with lab in advance N/A HaemOsteocalcin yellow gel yellow gel Not offered at GSH/RxH ChemOxalate timed urine collection timed urine collection Acidified urine. ChemParacetamol Acetaminophen yellow gel green Chem

Parathyroid hormone PTH purple purple Not offered due to instability Chem

Parechovirus, CSF CSF If parechovirus is requested, it will be done together with enterovirus PCR.


Parvovirus B19 IgGParvovirus B19 immunity, Parvovirus B19 IgG, past exposure

yellow gel

Only for establishing past infections or seroconversion. IgM not available. Please specify that IgG is required, or else PCR will be done.

Viro

Parvovirus B19 IgM N/ANo longer available. Request PCR for acute infection or IgG to establish past infection or seroconversion.

Viro

Parvovirus PCR, amniotic fluid amniotic fluid Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Parvovirus PCR, blood yellow / purple Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Parvovirus PCR, bone marrow bone marrow Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

PCP antigen detection PCP DFAT; Pneumocystis jirovecii screw-top tube

Induced sputum or bronchoalveolar (BAL) washings in a firmly closed screw-top container

Micro

PDH E1a gene (Pyruvate dehydrogenase E 1a)

PDCD / congenital infantile lactic acidosis / intermittent ataxia with lactic acidosis / x-linked Leigh syndrome / PDH A1

purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

Pearson’s disease mtDNA deletions purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

Phosphate, inorganic Phosphate, Pi yellow gel green Chem

Phosphate, urine Phosphate, Pi random or timed urine random or timed urine

Collect urine in acid (urine pH < 3). For tubular reabsorption of phosphate: require yellow gel (GSH) / green (RXH) tube blood taken simultaneously.

Chem

Platelet Aggregation Platelet function test Patient (not sample only) to be referred to Tygerberg Hospital N/A Haem

Platelet count PLT purple purple Sample must be < 24 hours old Haem

PML/RARα APL PCR molecular testing; PML/Raralpha; PML purple purple 1x 5ml BM aspirate - Immediately on ice

and to lab within 24 hrs on ice Send on ice C21Molecular haem

PNH screen CDPNH purple Must be booked in advance Sample must be < 24 hours old Haem

Porphyria screen (acute or chronic) urine, stool and EDTA blood urine, stool and EDTA blood Protect samples from light Urine, stool and EDTA

blood Chem

Potassium K yellow gel green ChemPotassium, stool watery stool watery stool ChemPotassium, urine random or timed urine random or timed urine Chem

Prader-Willi/Angelman's Syndrome (PW) purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Primary hyperoxaluria (AGXT gene)

alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase / Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 / Glycolicaciduria

purple 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Chem IMD

Pro-BNP (NT) yellow gel or green Deliver to lab on ice. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Procalcitonin PCT yellow gel green Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice Chem

Progesterone yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Prolactin yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Prostatic specific antigen (total) PSA, Total yellow gel Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice Chem

Prostatic specific antigen,free ratio F-PSA ratio yellow gel Separate serum and send frozen on dry ice Chem

Protein C blueTo reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. Clinical haematologist authorisation required


Protein electrophoresis, serum SPE yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Protein S blueTo reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if delay. Clinical haematologist authorisation required


Protein, CSF plain tube plain tube Chem

Prothrombin mutation PCR Thrombin gene mutation G20210A purple purple 1X 5ml peripheral blood. To reach lab


PTT Partial thromboplastin time; Heparin monitoring blue blue To reach lab within 4hrs - contact lab if

delayFrozen citrated plasma - kept on dry ice Haem

Pus culture Culture (pus) Pus: sterile swab, screw-top tube or sealed syringe.

Please indicate site as selective media may be required. Send at 2-4°C Micro

Pus microscopy Microscopy (pus) Pus: sterile swab, screw-top tube or sealed syringe. Micro

Pyruvate grey grey NB. Arrange with chem path registrar. Deliver on ice within 10 minutes.

Discuss with registar a RxH. Chem

Pyruvate Dehydrogenase enzyme activity PDH, lactic acidosis skin biopsySterile in tissue culture medium or saline. Do not freeze. Arrange with lab beforehand.

Chem IMD

Pyruvate kinase enzyme activity haemolytic anaemia green or purple (2ml) Discuss with pathologist. Deliver to lab immediately on ice.


Chem IMD

QF-PCR (Aneuploidy)

Down Syndrome, Edwards & Patau syndrome, Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome

purple (EDTA) tube or amniotic fluid purple (EDTA) tube Discuss with lab in advance. At least 4ml

amniotic fluid in sterile tube neededStore between 2 to 8°C. DO NOT FREEZE. Genetics (cyto)

Rabies, suspected CSF, saliva, clotted blood Contact pathologist or NICDSend on ice. Peripheral labs to send directly to NICD if possible

Viro

Rectal biopsies In 10% formalin as routine 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed

Histology (Red Cross)

Red Cell Membrane studiesHereditary red cell membrane disorders eg Hereditary Spherocytosis

gold 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed

2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed - can be sent directly to Jhb

Haem

Reducing Substances, stool Benedicts qualitative glucose stool stool Minimum 5ml. Deliver to lab on ice. Send frozen on dry ice Chem

Reducing Substances, urine Benedicts qualitative glucose random urine random urine Minimum 5ml. Deliver to lab on ice. Send frozen on dry ice Chem

Renal biopsies Prior notification required, then contact lab 5-10 minutes in advance for collection.

Please contact the laboratory for renal, muscle and nerve biopsies (which may require fresh tissue sent on ice).

Histology GSH

Renin, active purple purple Do NOT refrigerate.

Purple tube, separate plasma, freeze rapidly and must remain frozen on dry ice during transport

Chem

Respiratory Virus PCR, respiratory secretions respiratory secretions

Mulitplex PCR for Adenovirus, influenza A and B, RSV, Rhinovirus A, Metapneumovirus, Parainfluenza1/2/3


Reticulocyte count purple purple N/A - must be done onsite Haem

RF Rheumatoid factor yellow gel yellow gel 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Chem

Rhesus grouping Rh purple purple 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 5ml blood needed

Not offered due to instability. Haem

Rickettsia IFAT

Rickettsia or tick bite fever serology; Weil Felix (Note: The Weil Felix has been replaced by the more specific Rickettsial serology)

yellow gel Tests are performed weekly.(Test performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

Ro Ab & La Ab Anti-Ro & Anti-La antibody yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable. Immuno

Rotavirus Rapid test, stool stool Done with adenovirus 40/41 Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

RPR Syphilis serology (RPR) yellow gelThe specific treponemal antibody is performed first and if this is positive will be confirmed by an RPR

Micro

Rubella IgG yellow gel


Viro

Rubella IgM yellow gel


Viro

Rubella PCR, amniotic fluid amniotic fluid Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Rubella PCR, urine urine Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Ryanadine receptor common mutation screen for autosomal recessive centronuclear myopathy

RYR1 mutations for AR centronuclear myopathy purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5

days.


Chem IMD

SACE Serum angiotensin converting enzyme yellow gel yellow gel Deliver directly to Pharmacology.

Not offered due to instability. Only for GSH or UCTPAH patients.

Chem

Salicylate yellow gel green Chem

Schistosoma microscopy Bilharzia microscopy urinePlease indicate this request on the form as this is NOT part of the routine and specifically request a CONCENTRATION.

Micro

SCL70 Ab Anti-scleroderma antibody yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable. Immuno

Sex hormone binding globulin SHBG yellow gel yellow gel


Chem

Short Tandem Repeats genotyping, engraftment purple purple 1X 5ml peripheral blood. To reach lab within 3 days Send whole blood at RT C21Molecular haem

Sickle cell anaemiac.20A>T(p.Glu7Val) mutation in HBB gene (Hb S)



Genetics (molec)

Sickling test Sickle cell Anaemia purple purple Fresh sample Fresh Haem

SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) genetic test 5ml purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

SMA Ab Anti - smooth muscle antibody yellow gel Immuno

Sodium Na yellow gel green ChemSodium, fluid plain tube plain tube ChemSodium, stool watery stool watery stool ChemSodium, urine random or timed urine random or timed urine ChemSpecific gravity, urine Specific gravity random urine random urine Deliver to lab on ice within 4 hours. Chem

Specific IgE (RAST)Request relevant allergen being investigated, as RAST is not a specific test.

yellow gel

N.B. Due to the rise and fall of circulating Specific IgE antibodies to insect venom and drugs, blood samples for testing with venom and drug should be collected from 2 to 3 weeks up to 6 months after an insect sting or drug exposure.

N.B. Due to the rise and fall of circulating Specific IgE antibodies to insect venom and drugs, blood samples for testing with venom and drug should be collected from 2 to 3 weeks up to 6 months after an insect sting or drug exposure.

Immuno

Specific IgG - Aspergillus fumigatus DISA code GORG yellow gelPlasma samples CANNOT be used. Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable.


Immuno

Specific IgG - budgerigarDISA code GE90. If avian precipitins requested, select GE90, GE91 and GE92.

yellow gelPlasma samples CANNOT be used. Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable.


Immuno

Specific IgG - parrotDISA code GE92. If avian precipitins requested, select GE90, GE91 and GE92.



Immuno

Specific IgG - pigeonDISA code GE91. If avian precipitins requested, select GE90, GE91 and GE92.



Immuno

Spinocerebellar Ataxias SCA 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 12 & 17 purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Sputum culture Culture (sputum) screw-top tube

Sputum, NOT saliva, submitted in a firmly closed screw-top container. If routine, fungal and TB culture required, please indicate order of preference of testing in the event that specimen volume is insufficient for all tests.

Micro

Sputum microscopy Microscopy (sputum) screw-top tube

Sputum, NOT saliva, submitted in a firmly closed screw-top container. Microscopy for pneumocystis must be specifically requested. Pneumocystis microscopy is only performed on INDUCED sputum.


Stargardt disease (seven common Afrikaner mutations) purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml

blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Steatocrit, stool random stool random stool Minimum 5ml. ChemSteroid profile, urine timed urine collection timed urine collection Minimum 200ml. Collect in boric acid. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Steroid-resistant Nephrotic syndrome (NPHS2) gene screen

Congenital nephrotic syndrome / SRN / Podocin gene

purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

Stool culture Culture (stool) screw-top tube

Routine culture includes salmonella and shigella. Culture for Vibrio cholerae, enterohaemorrhagic E. coli and any other stool pathogen is only performed on request.


Stool microscopy Microscopy (stool) screw-top tube

Microscopy for cryptosporidium is performed on all children <2, HIV positive patients with chronic diarrhoea (if this information is provided) and patients on chemotherapy, otherwise on request only. Microscopy for microsporidium on request only. If a CONCENTRATION is required to look for specific parasites, please indicate clearly on request form. Please indicate if patient is HIV-positive or has a travel history.

Micro

Subtelomeric deletions / duplications Deletions/duplications at the teleomere ends (MLPA) purple or amniotic fluid 2 to 8 °C (Do not Freeze). At least 10ml

blood needed


Genetics (molec)

Succinylacetone Tyrosinaemia type 1 Random urine Arrange with lab in advance. Chem IMD

Sulfonylurea purple purple

Requires 10ml blood (2x5ml tubes). Separate red blood cells from plasma and transport both separately. Wrap the plasma in foil


SURF 1 whole gene Surfeit locus protein purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

Sweat test sweat collected at lab or ward Pre-arrange with laborarory Chem

Syphilis serology yellow gel

The treponemal specific test will now be used as a first-line screening for syphilis. If positive, a non-treponemal test with titre (i.e. RPR) will automatically be performed.

Micro

T-cell subsets only (3 antibodies) CD4; CD8 purple purple Fresh sample. Must be booked in advance


Testosterone yellow gel yellow gel Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Theophylline yellow gel yellow gel or green Chem

Thrombin Time blue blue To reach lab within 4 hrs - contact lab if delay


Thrombophilia Screen

INR, PTT, ProtC, ProtS, ATIII, APCR, LAC, FVLeiden, Prothrombin Gene mutation

purple and blue

To reach lab within 4 hours - contact lab/haematologist if delay. NB genetic testing (FVL, PT mutation) generally not appropirate in African patients. 5ml purple & 15ml blue

Frozen citrated plasma - kept on dry ice. EDTA blood at room temperature <72 hours old for genetic tests

Haem

Thrombophilia Screen (FV,PRO and MTHFR)

Thrombophilia mutations; Thrombotic screen purple purple 1X 5ml peripheral blood. To reach lab


Thymidine Kinase 2 whole gene screen TK2 purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5 days.


Chem IMD

Thyroglobulin


Chem

Thyroglobulin antibodies


Chem

Thyroid peroxidase


Chem

Thyroid stimulating hormone TSH yellow gel yellow gel or green Separate serum and send on ice Chem

Tissue culture sterile screw-top container

Tissue should be submitted in saline. A small piece of tissue from the infected site should be submitted. DO NOT SENT THE WHOLE SURGICAL SPECIMEN.

Micro

Tissue Typing - Cardiac Transplantion Work-up

yellow - no gel, golden (ACD) and purple Contact Laboratory

To reach the laboratory within 24-48 hours. At least 5ml clotted blood with gel and 5ml in golden tube (ACD). At least 10ml purple EDTA blood

Tissue Immuno

Tissue Typing - Renal Transplantion Work-up

golden (ACD), yellow gel and purple Contact Laboratory


Tissue Immuno

Tissue Typing - Bone Marrow Transplantion Work-up

golden (ACD), yellow gel and purple Contact Laboratory


Tissue Immuno

TORCH screen yellow gel (if applicable) yellow gel (if applicable)

For patients under 1 year, Toxoplasma IgG/IgM, rubella IgM, and CMV IgM will be done. TORCH screen requests for patients over the age of 1 year will be rejected. Please specify viruses to be tested. Consult pathologist for recommended specimen types.

Viro

Total IgE yellow gel Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable. Immuno

Total protein yellow gel green ChemTotal protein, CSF plain tube plain tube ChemTotal protein, fluid plain tube plain tube ChemTotal protein, urine random or timed urine random or timed urine Chem

Toxocara ELISA Toxocara serology yellow gel Test performed at Immunology laboratory, Braamfontein, Jhb. Micro

Toxoplasma ELISA Toxoplasma serology yellow gel Usually batched(Mondays).(Test performed at TBH Immunology) Micro

Toxoplasma gondii IgG yellow


Viro

Toxoplasma gondii IgM yellow


Viro

Toxoplasma gondii PCR, amniotic fluid amniotic fluid Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Toxoplasma gondii PCR, aspirate aspirate Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Toxoplasma gondii PCR, CSF CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

TPMT (Thiopurine S-Methyltransferase deficiency) genotyping

Risk for thiopurine / azathioprine side effects purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5

days.


Chem IMD

Transferrin Total iron binding capacity; TIBC yellow gel yellow gel Chem

Triglyceride TRIG yellow gel yellow gel Fasting blood. ChemTroponin T (high sensitivity) hsTrop T green green ChemTrypanosomes Sleeping sickness purple Fresh sample. CSF and blood N/A - must be done onsite Haem

Tryptase, mast cell

Measurement of total serum tryptase levels has replaced the Methyl Urine Histamine assay for the diagnosis of Systemic Mastocytosis.

yellow gel

Recommended procedure for possible allergic reactions: 3 serial Tryptase tests: 1st sample at 1-2 hours post event, then 2-3 hours later and a baseline sample >14 hours post event.

Recommended procedure for possible allergic reactions: 3 serial Tryptase tests: 1st sample at 1-2 hours post event, then 2-3 hours later and a baseline sample >14 hours post event.

Immuno

TTG Ab (IgA) Tissue transglutaminase IgA Ab; Coeliac disease yellow gel

N.B. Patient must include gluten in diet to avoid false negative results. Plasma samples CANNOT be used. Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable.


Immuno

TTG Ab (IgG) Tissue transglutaminase IgG Ab; Coeliac disease yellow gel

N.B. Patient must include gluten in diet to avoid false negative results. Plasma samples CANNOT be used. Lipaemic, haemolysed or microbially contaminated samples are unsuitable.


Immuno

Tuberculosis culture Mycobacterial culture; Culture (mycobacterial)

Sample from infected site. TB blood culture bottles are available on request from the microbiology laboratory.

Micro

Tuberculosis microscopy Mycobacterial microscopy; Microscopy (tuberculosis) Sample from infected site

According to national guidelines GeneXpert MTB/Rif is the first-line diagnostic test on respiratory samples, but TB microscopy will be performed on

Micro

Typhoid Culture for Typhoid Blood culture, bone marrow, stool or urine Micro

Unstable Hb purple purple Sample must be < 24 hours old Sample must be < 24 hours old Haem

Urea yellow gel green ChemUrea, fluid plain tube plain tube ChemUrea, urine random or timed urine random or timed urine ChemUric acid Urate yellow gel green ChemUric acid, fluid plain tube plain tube Chem

Uric acid, urine random or timed urine random or timed urine Urine must be alkalinised (urine pH > 7) Chem

Urinalysis Urine dipstix random urine random urine Deliver immediately to lab on ice within 4 hours. Chem

Urine culture MSU culture; Culture (urine) screw-top tube

Collect a mid-stream specimen from a properly prepared patient. For patients who are catheterised, collect urine from port above the clamped catheter and NOT from the drainage bag

Send at 2-4°C. Please indicate how sample was taken as this does affect specimen processing.

Micro

Urine microscopy MSU microscopy; Microscopy (urine) screw-top tube

Collect a mid-stream specimen from a properly prepared patient. For patients who are catheterised, collect urine from port above the clamped catheter and NOT from the drainage bag

Micro

Vancomycin yellow gel green GSH specimens to be sent directly to Pharmacology


Chem

Varicella-Zoster IgG yellow gel Please send a full tube for viral serology. Viro

Varicella-Zoster IgM N/ANo longer available. Request PCR for acute infection or IgG to establish past infection or seroconversion.

Viro

Varicella-Zoster PCR, aspirate aspirate Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Varicella-Zoster PCR, biopsy material biopsy in saline Never in formalin for virological testing Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Varicella-Zoster PCR, CSF CSF Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

Varicella-Zoster PCR, swab swab Send at 4 degrees, do not freeze Viro

VDRL, CSF Syphilis serology (VDRL) CSF VDRL is the recommended non-treponemal serological test for CSF. Micro

Very long chain fatty acids Adrenoleukodystrophy yellow gel green Deliver to lab immediately. Discuss with registar a RxH Chem

Vitamin A yellow gel purple Sample must be wrapped in tin foil or black paper Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Vitamin B1 Thiamine purple purple Not offered at GSH/RxH ChemVitamin B12 Cobalamin yellow gel yellow gel Not offered at GSH/RxH ChemVitamin D, 1,25 dihydroxy Calcitriol yellow gel yellow gel Deliver to lab immediately. Not offered at GSH/RxH ChemVitamin D, 25 hydroxy yellow gel yellow gel Deliver to lab immediately. Not offered at GSH/RxH ChemVitamin E yellow gel purple Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

Von Willebrands Factor VWF; Factor VIII related antigen blue blue

Arrange with haematologist or registrar on call. Fresh sample. 10ml blood required


White cell count WCC; WBC; Leukocyte count purple purple Sample must be < 24 hours old Sample must be < 24 hours

old Haem

Widal Typhoid serology; Salmonella serology yellow gel

The diagnosis of typhoid fever is best made by culture of blood, bone marrow, stool or urine. Serological tests are imprecise and difficult to interpret. Available Monday-Friday. Daily batches assayed. (Test performed at TBH Immunology)

Micro

X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (ABCD1 gene) whole gene screen XALD purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5

days.


Chem IMD

X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) screen (non-syndromic)

RPS6KA3, ARX, IL1RAPL1, TSPAN7, PQBP1, HUWE1, OPHN1, ACSL4, PAK3, DCX, AGTR2, ARHGEF6, FMR1, AFF2 (FMR2), SLC6A8 and GDI1 (MLPA)



Genetics (molec)

Xylose absorption test contact laboratory contact laboratory Arrange with lab in advance. Chem

Yersinia serology yellow gelAvailable Monday-Friday. Daily batches assayed. (Test performed at TBH immunology)

Micro

Zinc Zn yellow gel or green yellow gel or green Metal-free. Not offered at GSH/RxH Chem

βENaC point mutation analysis or gene screen

SCNN1B/ENAC / Liddles mutation / R563Q mutation purple Do NOT freeze. Must reach lab within 5

days.


Chem IMD

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