C Tests

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C Peptide

  • Test Name: C Peptide
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum or plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow or Green or Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 3 hours.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Sample must be separated and frozen < 4 hours.

C Reactive Protein ( CRP)

  • Test Name: C Reactive Protein ( CRP)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4ml clotted blood (1.5ml paediatric).
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine 2 working days. Urgent < 3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

C1 Esterase inhibitor

  • Test Name: C1 Esterase inhibitor
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: If the functional assay is required send a 4ml citrated blue coag specimen also.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

C3/C4

  • Test Name: C3/C4
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 2 days. Urgent < 3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

CA125

  • Test Name: CA125
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Clinical details should be provided.
  • Other details: Most useful in ovarian cancer.(Monitoring treatment/recurrence)  Please note CA125 values of a patients sample can vary depending on the testing procedure used.  It is important to use the same laboratory testing method when monitoring therapy. 
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 3 working days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 2 days

CA153

  • Test Name: CA153
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Clinical details should be provided.
  • Other details: Most useful in breast cancer.(Monitoring treatment/recurrence)  Please note CA153 values of a patient's sample can vary depending on the testing procedure used.  It is important to use the same laboratory testing method when monitoring therapy. 
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 3 working days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

CA199

  • Test Name: CA199
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Clinical details should be provided.
  • Other details: Most useful in colorectal, pancreatic and stomach (Monitoring treatment/recurrence)  Please note CA199 values of a patient's sample can vary depending on the testing procedure used.  It is important to use the same laboratory testing method when monitoring therapy. 
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 3 working days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 7 days

Caeruloplasmin

  • Test Name: Caeruloplasmin
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: Please send a separate request form and specimen.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Caffeine

  • Test Name: Caffeine
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 3 hours.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Sample must be separated and frozen < 4 hours.

Calcitonin

  • Test Name: Calcitonin
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum (x 2)
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 2 x4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to the lab within 15 minutes.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Sample must be separated and frozen < 15 minutes.

Calcium (Serum/Plasma)

  • Test Name: Calcium (Serum/Plasma)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Avoid venestasis as it may cause inaccurate total calcium measurement.
  • Other details: Corrected Calcium is added to all low albumins (less than 35g/L)
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 working day Urgent <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: <1.8 mmol/L >3.0 mmol/L
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Calcium (Urine)

  • Test Name: Calcium (Urine)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Random urine and/or 24 hour acidified urine
  • Specimen Container: Sarstedt Urine Z bottle (yellow cap)
  • Specimen Volume: 3.2mls and/or completed 24 hour collection
  • Specimen Requirements: Collect containers with acid preservative from the lab for 24 hour collections. Random urines will be acidified in lab.
  • Other details: Ensure a complete 24 hour collection. The date and time of the start and finish of collection must be clearly indicated. Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled with patient details.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 2 working days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Campylobacter serology

  • Test Name: Campylobacter serology
  • Laboratory: Serology External
  • Specimen Type: Clotted Blood Specimen
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, white (paediatric).
  • Specimen Volume: 4ml clotted blood (1.5ml paediatric).
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Referred to external test site
  • Turnaround Time: 7-10 days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Carbamazapine (Tegretol)

  • Test Name: Carbamazapine (Tegretol)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Query adequate therapy, take sample prior to next dose.
  • Query toxicity take sample 2-4 hours after oral dose.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine 2 days. Urgent < 3 hours.
  • Phone alert limits: >25 ug/ml
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 

Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriacae (CRE)

  • Test Name: Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriacae (CRE)
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type: Rectal swab/ others-wound swabs, stool specimen, tips
  • Specimen Container: Amies swab, sterile universal container.
  • Specimen Volume: Faeces 1-2g (spoonful)
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 1 day
  • Phone alert limits: Positive CRE isolates will be phoned to the requesting clinician
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Carboxy hemaoglobin

  • Test Name: Carboxy hemaoglobin
  • Laboratory: Point Of Care Test,  not tested in Pathology Laboratory from Dec 19
  • Specimen Type: N/A
  • Specimen Container: N/A
  • Specimen Volume: N/A
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: N/A
  • Turnaround Time: N/A
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cardiac Enzymes (CPK)

  • Test Name: Cardiac Enzymes (CPK)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum, Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for UHW in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 day. Urgent <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: > 1000 u/L
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Carnitine (Free and total)

  • Test Name: Carnitine (Free and total)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Green
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 30 minutes.
  • Other details: EDTA plasma unsuitable
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Sample must be separated and frozen < 1 hour.

Cat scratch disease see Bartonella

Catecholamines (plasma)

  • Test Name: Catecholamines (plasma)(Adrenaline, Dopamine, Noradrenaline)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: EDTA
  • Specimen Container: Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 15 minutes. Plasma will only be assayed once urine is first
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Sample must be separated and frozen < 30mins

Catecholamines- Urine

  • Test Name: Catecholamines- Urine (Adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: 24 hour urine
  • Specimen Container: 24 hour urine with acid preservative available from the biochemistry lab.
  • Specimen Volume: Complete collection.
  • Specimen Requirements: Caution required as hydrochloric acid in container.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Catecholamines - Plasma Methoxylated Derivatives)

  • Test Name: Catecholamines - methoxylated derivatives (3-0-methyl dopamine, metagrenaline and normetadrenaline)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: ETDA
  • Specimen Container: Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls.
  • Specimen Requirements: Send a sample to the Laboratory within 30mins.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Sample must be separated and frozen < 1 hour.

Catheter / Intravascular Cannulae

  • Test Name: Catheter / Intravascular Cannulae
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type: Tips - CVP, Hickman, Long line, Portacath.
  • Specimen Container: Sterile universal container.
  • Specimen Volume: N/A
  • Specimen Requirements: Approximately 4cm of tip if possible - remove using aseptic technique
  • Other details: Urinary catheter tips not cultured.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 2-4 days
  • Phone alert limits: Group A streptococci isolates, Group B streptococci isolates from antenatal, postnatal and neonatal patients, new MRSA isolates from hospital in-patients and new VRE isolates are all phoned to the requesting clinicians
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

CCP /ANTI-CCP

  • Test Name: CCP. Anti-CCP and Anti Cyclic Atrillinate Peptide Antibodies
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test- Send separate request form and sample for referral.
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Can only be ordered by Consultant Rheumatologist in UHW
  • Other details: Sensitive marker for acute RA.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 3 Weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

CEA

  • Test Name: CEA
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum, Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Appropriate clinical details must be provided.
  • Other details:  Please Note:  CEA values of a patients sample can vary depending on the testing procedure used.  It is important to use the same laboratory test method when monitoring therapy
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 3 working days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 7 days

Cellulitis see Wounds - superficial

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

  • Test Name: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) see Meningitis
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type:
  • Specimen Container:
  • Specimen Volume:
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time:
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

Chlamydia pneumoniae see Atypical Pneumonia

Chlamydia pscittici see Atypical Pneumonia

Chlamydia trachomatis

  • Test Name: Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type: Endocervical/Vaginal swabs, Male urethral swab or first catch urine
  • Specimen Container: Abbott multi-collect specimen  collection kit can be used for swabs and urine specimens
  • Specimen Volume: Add urine to Specimen transport buffer in transport tube until the liquid level falls within the fill window on the tube label.
  • Specimen Requirements: See 'Abbott multi-collect specimen collection kit information for users' for details of specimen collection
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 5 days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Urine specimens and swab specimens can be stored in the specimen transport buffer in transport tube at 2 to 30 degrees celsius for up to 14days.

Chloride (Cl)

  • Test Name: Chloride (Cl)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum, Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 working day Urgent <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cholesterol

  • Test Name: Cholesterol (Chol)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum, Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: For reference ranges and intervention cut offs for all lipid tests, please refer to the National Laboratory Handbook HERE. This includes a quick reference card for testing. 
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 working days, Urgent < 3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cholinesterase (Acetyl cholinesterase/erythroycte
cholinesterase)

  • Test Name: Cholinesterase (Acetyl cholinesterase/erythroycte cholinesterase)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: EDTA
  • Specimen Container: Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: Please send a separate request form and sample
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cholinesterase (Also known as pseudocholinesterase
or butrylcholinesterase)

  • Test Name: Cholinesterase (Also known as pseudocholinesterase or butrylcholinesterase)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: Please send a separate request form and sample.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at r

Chromium

  • Test Name: Chromium
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Lithium Heparin Whole Blood
  • Specimen Container: Green (No Gel)
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Chromogranin A

  • Test Name: Chromogranin A
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 2 hours.
  • Other details: Please send a separate request form and sample.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Sample must be separated and frozen < 3 hours.

Chromosome Analysis. See Genetics

Clostridioides difficile - toxin detection

  • Test Name: Clostridioides difficile - toxin detection
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type: Faeces
  • Specimen Container: Sterile universal container with/without a spoon.
  • Specimen Volume: 1-2 grams (spoonful)
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed. Faeces for C.difficile must be tested within 3 days of sample collection. Further specimens from patients received within 28 days of the previous test with a positive result, will not be tested unless requested by the Consultant Microbiologist or Infection Control Nurse.
  • Other details: Any specimens received on children less than 3 years old are not tested. Specimens received in boric acid containers are not suitable for testing.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 1 day
  • Phone alert limits: Positive C.difficile specimens are phoned to the requesting clinician.
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Coagulation Factor assays

  • Test Name: Coagulation Factor assays (V, VII,VIII,IX,X,IX,XII)
  • Laboratory: Haematology referral test
  • Specimen Type: Trisodium Citrate
  • Specimen Container: Blue
  • Specimen Volume: 3 x 3ml for single assay, 6 x 3ml if more than one Factor assay is required
  • Specimen Requirements: Inadequately filled sample tubes cannot be used
  • Other details: Contact the Haematology Lab (051-848881) Ext. 8881) prior to sending Factor assays.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: As required
  • Turnaround Time: Routine 4-6 weeks. Urgent same day for Factor VIII or IX if required.
  • Phone alert limits: Results of Factor VIII and IX below reference range are phoned
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Samples should ideally be processed within 4 hours of collection. Please sent to lab ASAP

Coagulation (Point of Care)

  • Laboratory: Haemochron in Theatre and Cath Labs.
  • Specimen Type: Finger prick - Whole blood
  • Specimen Container: N/A
  • Specimen Volume: ~1ul Specimen Requirements: Ensure correct patient details linked to result.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/assay: N/A
  • Turnaround Time: <1min
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Analyse immediately

Coagulation Screen (PT/INR & APTT)

  • Test Name: Coagulation Screen (PT/INR & APTT)
  • Laboratory: Haematology
  • Specimen Type: Trisodium Citrate
  • Specimen Container: Blue - 3ml standard tube (adult) or paeds specific vial
  • Specimen Volume: 3mls or paeds vial (1.4ml)
  • Specimen Requirements: Inadequately filled tubes cannot be used.
  • Other details: Refer to individual tests PT, INR and APTT for further details.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine 1 working day. Urgent <2 hours - contact Haematology Lab if required ASAP or in emergency
  • Phone alert limits: Refer to individual tests
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Samples should ideally be processed within 4 hours of collection. Samples taken from patients on unfractionated heparin must be analysed within 1.5 hours of phlebotomy and hand delivered to the lab, do not sent these samples via the Pneumatic Tube system. Please sent to lab ASAP

Cobalt

  • Test Name: Cobalt
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Lithium Heparin Whole Blood
  • Specimen Container: Green (No Gel)
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cold Agglutinin Test

  • Test Name: Cold Agglutinin Test
  • Laboratory: Blood Transfusion
  • Specimen Type: This test is no longer performed in Blood Transfusion due to unavailability of External Quality Control material.
  • Other details: Please contact Consultant Haematologist

Complement (C3/C4)

  • Test Name: Complement (C3/C4)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine 1 working day. Urgent < 3 hours.
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Complement Titre (CH50/CH100)

  • Test Name: Complement Titre (CH50/CH100)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 30 minutes.
  • Other details: Please send a separate form and sample
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Copper (Plasma)

  • Test Name: Copper (Plasma)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Navy Top glass bottle available from the Biochemistry Lab
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Copper (Urine)

  • Test Name: Copper (Urine)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: 24 hour urine
  • Specimen Container: 24 hour container available from the biochemistry lab.
  • Specimen Volume: Complete collection
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cordarone (amiodarone)

  • Test Name: Cordarone (amiodarone)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 30 minutes.
  • Other details: Take sample immediately before next dose. Include dose details.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Sample must be separated and frozen < 1 hour.

Corrected Calcium

  • Test Name: Corrected Calcium
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow (Green for UHW in house samples only)
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other Details: Corrected calcium is added to all low albumins (less than 35 g/L)
  • Frequency of analysis/assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 working day. Urgent < 3 hours
  • Phone Alerts: N/A
  • Preanalytical Stability at room temp: N/A

Cortisol (serum/Plasma)

  • Test Name: Cortisol (serum/Plasma)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: To check circadian rhythm, take samples at 8am and 12 midnight.
  • Other details: Clearly indicate on sample and request form times of collection particularly for stimulation tests.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 3 working days
  • Phone alert limits: < 140nmol/L (8am Sample) < 50nmol/L (Random Sample)
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 7 days

Cortisol (urine)

  • Test Name: Cortisol (urine)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: 24 hour urine
  • Specimen Container: 24 hour container available from the biochemistry lab.
  • Specimen Volume: Complete collection
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

COVID 19 (SARS CoV 2)

  • Test Name: COVID 19 (SARS CoV2)
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type: Combined oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swab, sputum Specimen Container: Universal transport media (UTM) sample collection kits, Clinical virus transport media (CTM) sample collection kits, Viral transport media containing lysis buffer sample collection kits.
  • Specimen Volume: N/A
  • Specimen Requirements: Send samples to the lab as quickly as possible. Package separately from other lab samples. Samples can be sent by taxi.
  • Other details: Specimens for COVID 19 (SARS CoV 2) are classified as Category B infectious substances (UN 3373)
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 24hrs
  • Phone alert limits: COVID 19 (SARS CoV 2) detected samples are phoned to the requesting clinician by the Clinical Microbiology team and Public Health are informed. Preanalytical stability at room temp: Room temperature 15-30°C for 8hrs, refrigerated 2-8°C for 7 days

Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever) see Atypical Pneumonia

CPK- Please see Cardiac Enzymes (CPK)

Creatinine (Serum/Plasma)

  • Test Name: Creatinine (serum/plasma)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum, Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Gree for WRH in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: eGFR are calculated on all creatinine results for patients >18 years of age
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 working day Urgent <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: > 354 umol/L
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Creatinine (urine)

  • Test Name: Creatinine (urine)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Random urine or 24 hour urine
  • Specimen Container: Sarstedt Urine Z bottle(yellow cap) or 24 hour urine container.
  • Specimen Volume: 3.2 mls or complete collection
  • Specimen Requirements: Boric acid container (red top) unsuitable.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 2 working days.
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Creatinine Clearance

  • Test Name: Creatinine Clearance
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum and 24 hour urine collection.
  • Specimen Container: Yellow and 24 hour urine container
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls and complete collection
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details: Blood specimen for creatinine must be taken during or within 24 hours of urine collection.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 2 working days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

CrossLaps/CTX-1 (Serum)

  • Test Name: CrossLaps/CTX-1
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow adult/ Clear Peads
  • Specimen Volume:  1mL 
  • Specimen Requirements: Send to the lab within 3 hours. Fasting sample.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: N/A
  • Turnaround Time:  3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Sample must be separated and frozen <4 hours.
  • ATTENTION: 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.

CrossLaps/CTX-1 (Urine)

  • Test Name: CrossLaps/CTX-1
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type:  Urine
  • Specimen Container:  Sarstedt Urine Z bottle(yellow cap)
  • Specimen Volume:  2 tubes required
  • Specimen Requirements: Send to the lab within 3 hours.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: N/A
  • Turnaround Time:  3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Urine must be frozen < 4 hours.

Cryoglobulins

  • Test Name: Cryoglobulins
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum x2
  • Specimen Container: Yellow x2
  • Specimen Volume: 2 x 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Specimens must be placed in warm water (37°C) Transport flask available from biochemistry. Place samples in Specimen Bag in the flask. Attach the request form to the outside of the flask.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 5 working days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cryptococcus

  • Test Name: Cryptococcus
  • Laboratory: Microbiology Serology External
  • Specimen Type: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF). Clotted Blood
  • Specimen Container: Sterile universal container, yellow, white (paediatric).
  • Specimen Volume: At least 1ml CSF. 4ml clotted blood (1.5ml paediatric).
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Serology referred to external test site.
  • Turnaround Time:  Culture 2-5 days. 7-10 days for serology.
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cryptosporidium

  • Test Name: Cryptosporidium
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type: Faeces
  • Specimen Container: Sterile universal container with/without spoon.
  • Specimen Volume: 1-2g(spoonful)
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed.
  • Other details: Specimens received in boric acid containers are not suitable for testing.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 2 days
  • Phone alert limits: Specimens positive for Cryptosporidium are phoned to the requesting clinician
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

CSF Glucose

  • Test Name: CSF Glucose
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: CSF
  • Specimen Container: Grey (adults) Yellow (paeds)
  • Specimen Volume:
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details: Blood for plasma glucose should be taken at the same time. These samples are usually processed by the microbiology dept. first and are then forwarded to the biochemistry dept.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

CSF Protein

  • Test Name: CSF Protein
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: CSF
  • Specimen Container: Sterile universal container (white top)
  • Specimen Volume:
  • Specimen Requirements: Bloodstained specimens are unsuitable for analysis.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cyclosporin

  • Test Name: Cyclosporin
  • Laboratory: Haematology
  • Specimen Type: EDTA
  • Specimen Container: Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 2.5ml
  • Specimen Requirements: N/A
  • Other details: Always specify "Trough" or "2 hours after administration"
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Analysis performed once weekly on Tuesdays
  • Turnaround Time: 1 week
  • Phone alert limits: >400
  • Preanalytical stability: 7 days at 2 - 8°C

Cystatin C

  • Test Name: Cystatin C
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow adult/ Clear Peads
  • Specimen Volume: 1 mLs
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerated
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: N/A
  • Turnaround Time:  3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Refrigerate

Cystic Fibrosis

  • Test Name: Cystic Fibrosis
  • Laboratory: Misc External Referral
  • Specimen Type: EDTA
  • Specimen Container: Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 5ml
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details: Dr McDevitt and Dr.BartonNational Centre for Medical Genetics, O.L.H.S.C Crumlin, Dublin 12
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time:
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

Cytogenetics

  • Test Name: Cytogenetics
  • Laboratory: Misc External Referral
  • Specimen Type: Lithium Heparin
  • Specimen Container: Green
  • Specimen Volume:
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time:
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Serology

  • Test Name: Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Laboratory: Serology
  • Specimen Type: Clotted Blood Specimen
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, white (paediatric).
  • Specimen Volume: 4ml clotted blood (1.5ml paediatric).
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: 1 day
  • Phone alert limits: CMV IgM positive results phoned
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR

  • Test Name: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) PCR
  • Laboratory: Serology External
  • Specimen Type: EDTA Blood Specimen, urine specimen.
  • Specimen Container: Purple, red (paediatric), sterile universal container.
  • Specimen Volume: 2.5.mls (1.5ml paediatric).
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Referred to external test site
  • Turnaround Time: 7-10 days
  • Phone alert limits: First positive phoned to requesting clinician.
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: To be received in Serology Laboratory on day of collection- required freezing at -20°C.

Cytotoxic antibodies

  • Test Name: Cytotoxic antibodies
  • Laboratory: Autoantibody Lab. External
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow X 2
  • Specimen Requirements:10mls of serum
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: As Required
  • Turnaround Time: 2-4 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A