Clinical Biochemistry Department, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY TEST INFORMATION
Unique document number
PD-CB-411
Document name
Clinical Biochemistry Test Information
Version no.
21
Produced by
Dr Gill Rumsby
Approved by
Dr Gill Rumsby
Date active
September 2015
Date for review
August 2017 or as necessary
Comments
This issue replaces all previous versions.
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
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Clinical biochemistry test information
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 020344 79405 (x79405); email: biochemhelpdesk@uclh.nhs.uk
CLINICAL ENQUIRIES: Call the number above and ask for the duty biochemist. Alternatively email dutybiochemist@uclh.nhs.uk and someone will deal with your enquiry (Monday-Friday
0900-1700). Out of hours ask for the on-call biochemistry consultant via the switchboard.
REQUEST FORMS: The request forms have an attached bag for insertion and sealing of the blood samples. Labels on urine bottles should be completed with the patient details and time of start
and end of collection. The accompanying request form should be securely attached to the 24-hour urine bottles. It is strongly advised that requests are restricted to one sample type per form.
Request forms must always be fully and legibly completed. The case number, surname, forename and date of birth must be recorded accurately for all patients. Using patient identification labels is
very desirable providing they are legible. The location of the patient with consultant’s name or approved code must be included for the return of results. Please clearly state the tests required using
their full names or widely accepted abbreviations only. If it is only possible to obtain a small sample, the order of priority for the tests requested should be indicated. Where special conditions are
required for a valid result, information on timing, fasting, protocol and drug doses should be written on the request form.
LABELLING OF SAMPLES: The Department will NOT analyse samples that have inadequate identification. All specimens MUST be labeled with the surname and two other items of
identification from:
 Hospital number
 Date of birth
 Forename
SAMPLE CONTAINERS: The sample types for each of the tests are included in the tabulated information later.
TEST AVAILABILITY: Not all of the more esoteric tests listed are available within UCLH. Those for which UCLH has to pay to be analysed elsewhere are subject to particular scrutiny and are
likely to be refused unless a clear clinical justification is provided.
Test name beginning with (Ctrl click):
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
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Blood: The main vacutainer tube used is the gold top (SST, clotted blood with gel separator). Others needed for certain tests are: red top (plain clotted blood), , purple top (EDTA anticoagulant),
grey top (fluoride preservative) and green top (lithium heparin anticoagulant). Usually many tests can be done from one sample, eg one 5mL gold top tube is sufficient for U/E, LFT, bone profile
and more. However, the volume stated is that which must normally be sent even if requesting the individual test on its own.
Paediatric samples: the tube top colours given above do not apply to paediatric containers. Usually white tops are plain but other lids will vary with manufacturer. Staff should familiarize
themselves with the preservative content prior to bleeding the patient.
Urine: Random and early morning urine samples should be collected in 50 mL Sterilin containers. Plain containers for 24 hour urine collections are available by ordering from Supplies.
Acidified containers for 24hr urines, containing concentrated hydrochloric acid, are available from Clinical Biochemistry reception. Please check the following Test Information table if you
do not know which type of container is needed.
Faeces: Random samples should be collected in 50 mL Sterilin containers.
CSF: Plain sterile containers from CSSD (grey fluoride tube must be used for CSF glucose)
Sweat: A special collection system is used by the Children’s Outpatients Department at UCLH
Other fluids, Calculi etc: Sterilin or other suitable container.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Please adhere to the instructions, so that the risk to all staff is minimised. There is a legal obligation to observe these precautions.
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
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Needle Stick Injuries: Current guidelines must be followed so as to avoid stick injuries to those taking, transporting and processing samples. Specimens for analysis must not be sent to the
laboratory in the original syringe. .
Infection Risk: General requirements and good practice:
 Do not contaminate the request form with the sample.
 Ensure that the container is correctly sealed so that it does not leak in transit.
 Do not stick samples to the request form with tape, use the bag.
Dangerous Pathogens
 Specimens containing certain viral pathogens (ACDP Category 4) cannot be handled by the laboratory. Do NOT send samples containing or suspected of containing these
pathogens to the laboratory. Phone the Help Desk in advance if in doubt.

Specimens must be regarded as potentially infected if they come from the patient categories below. Only request tests which are essential to the management of these disorders:
Known to be HbsAG positive.
With known or suspected viral hepatitis or with jaundice of unknown cause.
With known AIDS or HIV positive, or relevant risk groups.
Frequently transfused – including haemophilia.
Known to be drug addicts.
With known or suspected brucellosis, typhoid or paratyphoid A infection.
With known or suspected tuberculous meningitis (CSF only) or tuberculosis of the urinary or gastrointestinal tract (urine or faecal specimens only).
With known or suspected amoebiasis (faecal specimens only).
With pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO).
Radiation Hazards: Urine (particularly) may be radioactive following imaging / nuclear medicine procedures. Urine collections known or suspected to be highly radioactive must not be sent to
the laboratory. The name of any administered isotope must be stated on all samples of urine on both the first and second day after an imaging procedure. The laboratory monitors samples and will
refer all radiation safety violations back to the requester. Serious violations will be referred to the Radiation Protection Advisor.
TRANSPORT OF SAMPLES: Samples from the main hospital site should be sent by pneumatic tube (PTS) system. Please note some tests require samples to be carried to the laboratory
immediately, with or without other precautions (eg on ice). Routine transport pick-ups cannot not be used for such samples. Other sites collect from designated pick up points.
REQUESTS FOR URGENT ATTENTION: During normal working hours all urgent requests must be arranged personally by the requesting doctor telephoning the Clinical Biochemistry Help
Desk (UCLH ext 79405, or direct dial 0203 44 79405), except where there is prior agreement.
REPORTING RESULTS: Within the laboratory computer system the patient is identified by the case number. As soon as a request is registered in the computer it is listed as PENDING when
viewing on any ward, clinic or departmental terminal. As soon as the result is approved for reporting it is also available on any enquiry computer. Printed reports are not usually issued.
DYNAMIC FUNCTION TESTS: Please see test information and specific test request forms on Insight
http://insight/departments/medicineboard/pathology/biochemicalmedicine/ClinicalBiochemistry/Pages/default.aspx
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
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CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY TESTS
TEST
Acetylcholinesterase
(erythrocyte)
Acid load test
Acid maltase
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5 mL whole blood purple or
green top
Timed
urine
samples
Follow dynamic test protocol
on intranet
Blood spot or whole blood
(heparin)
REFERENCE RANGE
See report
Acid phosphatase, total
5ml blood gold top tube
2.6 – 6.2 U/L
ACTH
4ml blood purple top tube –
kept
cold,
centrifuged
immediately
<46 ng/L (9am)
Acyl carnitine profile
4 mL purple or green top tube
(paediatrics use orange top
Li/hep tube)
4mL gold top
Positive or negative
4mL gold top
Ref range not yet established
Adalimumab antibodies
Adaluminab drug levels
Addictive drug screen
Adrenaline
AFP
AGXT gene analysis (primary
hyperoxaluria type 1)
Alanine aminotransferase
Alanine:glyoxylate
aminotransferase
Albumin, serum
4 mL blood purple top tube
5ml blood gold top tube
20 mg liver (frozen)
5ml blood gold top tube
10-50 IU/L (Male)
10-35 IU/L (Female)
19.10 – 47.9
μmol substrate transformed per hour per mg protein
28 -44 g/L (0 – 4 Days)
38-54 g/L (4 Days – 14 Years)
32-45 g/L (14 -18 Years)
34-50 g/L (>18 Years)
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
All requests reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at Cardiff
Toxicology
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transport to lab
immediately, routine transport not suitable. Urine pH after oral
ammonium chloride
For diagnosis of Pompe’s disease.
Sample must be sent to reference lab promptly therefore do not take
blood on a Friday.
Analysed at GOS
All requests reviewed by Chem Path senior medical or scientific
staff. Not for routine use in prostate cancer – see PSA instead.
Analysed at Royal Free Hospital, phone 0207 830 2991
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transfer to lab
immediately and on ice. Routine transport not suitable. Batched for
analysis on selected days.
N.B. Cannot be requested retrospectively
Analysed at Neurometabolic Unit, 0207829 8716. Results available
within 7 working days
For monitoring patients on Adalimumab (antiTNF)
Analysed at Royal Devon and Exeter 01392 402948
For monitoring patients on Adalimumab (antiTNF)
Analysed at Royal Devon and Exeter 01392 402948
See Drug Screen
See Catecholamines
See Alphafetoprotein
Molecular Urology test. For diagnosis of primary hyperoxaluria
type 1
24 hour availability
Molecular Urology test. For diagnosis of primary hyperoxaluria
type 1
24 hour availability
September 2015
Page 5 of 35
TEST
Albumin, urine
(“Microalbumin”)
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
10ml random urine
Alcohol (Medical cases only)
2ml blood light grey top tube
Aldosterone, blood
4 mL purple or gold top tube
Aldosterone synthase gene
analysis
Alkaline Phosphatase, Total
4 mL blood purple top tube
Alkaline phosphatase
Isoenzymes
5ml blood gold top tube
Alkaline phosphatase,
Placental CSF
1 mL CSF
Alkaline phosphatase,
Placental serum
5ml blood red top tube
<0.5 U/L (Non-smokers)
<1.5 U/L (Smokers)
5 mL blood green or purple
top tube
Patient should be on caffeinefree diet
On treatment, plasma oxypurinol <100 umol/L
5ml blood gold top tube
0-6 kIU/L (In hepatoma, a positive diagnosis is only
likely with a level >500 kIU/L)
Allergen specific IgE
Allopurinol
Alphafetoprotein as tumour
marker
5ml blood gold top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
0-2.8 mg/mmol creatinine
Clinically significant results:
Diabetics:>3mg/mmol
Non-diabetics:>30 mgl/mmol
Values up to 46 mg/L may arise endogenously
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Usually 24 hour availability
1000-3500 pmol/L (1-3 Months)
400-1500 pmol/L (3-12 Months)
250-950 pmol/L (Adult, ambulant)
150-550 pmol/L (Adult, recumbent)
Batched for weekly analysis. Steroid Endocrinology test
New assay and ref ranges from 1/11/2014
Molecular Urology test. For diagnosis of aldosterone synthase
deficiency
24 hour availability
0-250 IU/L (0-5 Days)
0-449 IU/L (5 -180 Days)
0-462 IU/L (180-365 Days)
0-281 IU/L (1-3 Years)
0-269 IU/L (3-6 Years)
0-300 IU/L (6-12 Years)
0-390 IU/L (Male 12-17 Years)
0-187 IU/L (Female 12-17 Years)
40-129 IU/L (Male >17 Years)
35-104 IU/L (Female >17 Years)
Female
Male
liver <73U/L
<68U/L
Biliary <13U/L
<8U/L
Bone <71U/L
<77U/L
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
24 hour availability. Legal limit for driving – 800mg/L
(units changed from mmol/L to mg/L on 29/06/2015
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks. Analysed at Royal Free Hospital
PD-CB-411 v21
Requests are individually reviewed.
For diagnosis of pineal germinoma
Samples referred to Charing Cross 0203311 1443
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks. Analysed at Northern General Hospital Sheffield, phone
0114-271 5725.
See RAST
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Viapath 02071881266.
24 hour availability.
September 2015
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TEST
Alphafetoprotein, CSF
Alpha
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
1 mL CSF
aminoadipic semialdehyde (antiquitin)
Alpha-1 antitrypsin, total
Random urine
Alpha-1-antitrypsin, faecal
10g stool sample (concurrent
serum AAT sample also
required)
5ml blood gold top tube
Alpha-1 antitrypsin phenotype
5ml blood gold top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
24 hour availability.
<1 kIU/L (Adult)
may be slightly higher in newborn period but less
than 12 kIU/L
See report
0.9-2.2 g/L (0-6 months)
0.8-1.8 g/L (6 months – 1 year)
1.1-2.2 g/L (1-5 years)
1.4-2.3 g/L (5-10 years)
1.2-2.0 g/L (10-15 years)
1.1-2.1 g/L (15-18 years)
Interpretation on report
Must be frozen on receipt. Requests are individually reviewed by
senior staff. Analysed at ICH 02079052108
24h availability
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at St
George’s Hospital
Interpretation on report
Performed automatically if total AAT below 0.9g/L. Analysed at
Northern General Hospital Sheffield, phone 0114 271 5552.
4.0-21.9 nmol/h/mL
Requests are individually reviewed. Must be sent same day for
processing so do not collect on a Friday or at weekends. Analysed
at GOS Enzyme lab. 0207405 9200
Molecular Urology test for diagnosis of 5α-reductase deficiency
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
University Hospital Birmingham, 0121 371 5999
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks. Tubes available from lab.
Analysed at SAS Trace Element laboratory, Guildford
Microbiology test run in Clinical Biochemistry
Alpha galactosidase
4mL blood green top
Do NOT collect on a Friday
5α reductase 2 gene analysis
Alpha
subunit
(pituitary
peptide common subunit)
Aluminium
4 mL blood purple top
5 mL blood red or gold top
5ml blood white top tube
<0.4 umol/L (Subjects without CRF)
<2.2 umol/L (Low risk CRF patients)
Amikacin
5ml blood gold top tube
For interpretation contact microbiology and/or refer
to micro guides on intranet
http://microguide.horizonsp.co.uk/viewer/uclh/adult
http://microguide.horizonsp.co.uk/viewer/uclh/paed
Amino acids, Blood
Amino acids, Urine
5ml blood green top tube
5ml fresh random urine
Interpretation on report
Interpretation on report
Aminophylline
Amiodarone
5ml blood gold top tube
Amiodarone 0.5-2.0 mg/L
Desethylamiodarone 0.5-2.0 mg/L
Interpretation on report
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Batched for analysis on selected days
Qualitative screen. Requests are individually reviewed, results are
available in 2 to 4 weeks.
N.B. Rarely useful as a screen for metabolic disorders.
See Theophylline
Time to steady state: 1 week (if loaded)
Ideal sampling time: Pre dose
Analysed at St Helier 020 8296 2661
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Ammonia
TEST
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
4ml blood purple top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
Premature neonate <150 umol/L
Term neonate (0-31 days) <100 umol/L
1 month-<14y < 40 umol/L
>14y 11-32 umol/L
Ammonium chloride Test
Amylase
Amylase (isoenzymes)
5ml blood gold top tube
5 mL blood gold top tube
28-100 IU/L
See report
Androstenedione
5ml blood gold top tube
Angiotensin
converting
enzyme
Anion gap
Antenatal screen (Down’s)
Anticonvulsants
Anti-mullerian hormone
5ml blood gold top tube
1.4 -11.5 nmol/L (Female)
2.0-10.0 nmol/L (Male)
<1.1 nmol/L (Prepubertal)
8-52 U/L
calculation
12-20 mmol/L
5 mL blood gold top
Reference ranges (10th – 90th percentiles):
20 – 29 years: 13.1 – 53.8 pmol/L
30 – 34 years: 6.8 – 47.8 pmol/L
35 – 39 years: 5.5 – 37.4 pmol/L
40 – 44 years: 0.7 – 21.2 pmol/L
45 – 50 years: 0.3 – 14.7 pmol/L
5ml blood gold or purple top
tube
1.10-2.05 g/L (Male)
1.25-2.15 g/L (Female)
Apolipoprotein B
5ml blood gold or purple top
tube
0.55-1.05 g/L (Male)
0.55-1.25 g/L (Female)
Apolipoprotein E genotype
4 mL whole blood purple top
Apolipoprotein E phenotype
5 mL blood purple top tube
Antitrypsin - 1
Apolipoprotein A1
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
24 hour availability. Sample requires special or immediate action.
Transfer to lab immediately, preferably on ice. Routine transport
not suitable
See Acid load test in dynamic function test folder
24 hour availability
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 4 weeks. Analysed at Gt Ormond St 0207 829 8662
Daily
Calculated from (Na+K)-(Cl+bicarbonate).
Not available from Clinical Biochemistry – contact Antenatal clinic
See individual drugs
Note method change to Roche AMH 02/02/15. Results on average
25% lower than previous method (Beckman Gen II).
To discuss, contact x72954 or x72972.
See Alpha-1 Antitrypsin
For specialist lipid clinic use only.
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Royal Free Hospital, phone 02077940500 bleep 1595 (Duty
Biochemist)
Method change 24/9/2008
For specialist lipid clinic use only.
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. For specialist
lipid clinic use only. Analysed at Royal Free Hospital, phone
02077940500 bleep 1595 (Duty Biochemist)
Method change 24/9/2008
Lipid Clinic only.
Analysed at University of Wales, Cardiff 02920747747 x8350
For specialist lipid clinic use only
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available in
8 weeks..
Analysed at University of Wales, Cardiff 02920747747 x8350
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TEST
Aquaporin 4 antibodies
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5ml blood gold top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
Negative or positive
Arsenic
4 mL blood purple top (plastic
tube) or 20 mL random urine
(preferred)
5ml blood gold top tube
Plasma: <133.5 nmol/L
Urine: <534 nmol/L
Aspartate aminotransferase
B12, see vitamin B12
Barbiturates
Base excess
Bence Jones protein
0-37 IU/L (Male)
0-31 IU/L (Female)
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
For ?neuromyelitis optica.
Specific request form required. Contact lab.
Analysed at the Immunology Dept., Churchill Hospital, Oxford
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 2 weeks. Analysed at Trace metal lab, Guildford 01483
259978. Exclude high seafood diet for 5 days prior to sampling
Approved research studies only
25ml urine (EMU)
None detected in normal subjects
See Drug Screen
See Gases
Batched for analysis on selected days. Advisable to send concurrent
blood sample in Red top tube for serum protein electrophoresis
also.
4 mL purple top tube
Full report issued
Molecular Urology test
5ml blood gold top tube
5ml blood gold top tube
0-2.3 mg/L
22-29 mmol/L
5ml blood gold top tube
<14 umol/L
24 hour availability
24 hour availability
See Gases
Run weekly. This test is for total bile acids.
Bile acids (for ?primary
metabolic disorder)
Bilirubin, blood, total
random urine
Refer to report
Analysed at ICH
5ml blood gold top tube
24 hour availability
Bilirubin, blood, conjugated
Bilirubin, urine, bile pigments
Biotinidase
5ml blood gold top tube
10ml random urine
5 mL blood green top tube or
serum (minimum 2 mL)
10ml random urine
0-137 umol/L (<1 day)
0-239 umol/L (1-3 days)
0-20 umol/L (≥4 days)
0-5 umol/L
Bilirubin is not normally found in urine.
3.9-18.9 nmol/mL/min
Negative in normal individuals
Batched for analysis on selected days
Beta carotene, see carotene
3-beta hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase type 2 genetics
Beta-2 microglobulin
Bicarbonate (TotalCO2)
Standard bicarbonate
Bile acids (Total)
Urine- qualitative screen
(Labstix)
Blood in faeces
2g stool sample
24 hour availability
Daily service if received by noon Mon to Fri
For multiple carboxylase deficiency only. Requests individually
reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at GOS
Daily service if received by noon Mon to Fri
BNP see NT-proBNP
Bone Profile
Includes: calcium, phosphate,
alkaline phosphatase, albumin
Buprenorphine
5ml blood gold top tube
Random urine
24 hour availability
Refer to report
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Sample must be taken as soon as possible after exposure
Referred to Birmingham City Hospital
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Busulfan
TEST
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
4 mL purple top tube
CA 15-3
5ml blood gold top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
No ref range. Multiple points for investigation of
pharmacokinetics
0-25 KIU/L
CA19-9
5ml blood gold top tube
0-27 KIU/L
CA125
5ml blood gold top tube
0-35 KIU/L
Cadmium, blood
4 mL purple top tube (plastic)
<27 nmol/L non-smokers
<53 nmol/L smokers
Cadmium, urine
25 mL random urine
<1.0 nmol/mmol creatinine
Caeruloplasmin
5ml blood gold top tube
Calcitonin
4ml red top or gold top tube
required ON ICE (see notes)
0.15-0.30 g/L male
0.16-0.45 g/L female
No ref range for <1y
<5.0 ng/L (female)
<8.4 ng/L (Male)
Calcium (albumin adjusted)
5ml blood gold top tube
2.20-2.60 mmol/L
Calcium, urine
24hr urine collected in bottle
with acid
10 mg minimum
0.08-0.79 mmol/mmol creatinine
2.5-8.0 mmol/24h
Random faecal sample
<60 ug/g faeces (not applicable for neonates)
Carbamazepine
5ml blood gold top tube
Therapeutic range 4-12 mg/L
(please note, units changed to mg/L occurred on
13/8/12)
Carbamazepine (free)
5 mL blood red top tube
Carbamazepine epoxide
5 mL blood red top tube
Calculus (urinary and other
sites)
Calprotectin (faecal)
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Must be prearranged via duty biochemist.
Analysed at GOS
24 hour availability. For monitoring breast cancer treatment
Not suitable as a screening test
24 hour availability. For monitoring pancreatic carcinoma
Not suitable as a screening test
24 hour availability. For monitoring carcinoma of the ovary
Not suitable as a screening test
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 2 weeks. Analysed by Trace Metal lab, Guildford 01483
259978
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 2 weeks. Analysed by Trace Metal lab, Guildford 01483
259978
24 hour availability
Change in reference range 08/03/2013
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transfer to lab
immediately on ice (must be separated and frozen within one hour
of draw). Routine transport not suitable. Daily analysis. For
monitoring medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.
Assay change to Siemens Immulite Feb 2015.
24 hour availability
Ref range change March 2014
Usually 24 hour availability
Molecular Urology test. Analysed daily
Batch assay, includes total carbamazepine. Analysed at the
Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont 01494 601 423
Batch assay, includes total carbamazepine. Analysed at the
Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont 01494 601 423
See Bicarbonate
See Gases
Carbon dioxide – Total
Carbon dioxide – pCO2
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff.
Analysed at Viapath 02032993856
Usually 24 hour availability. Ideal sampling time: pre dose. Time to
steady state 2-4 weeks (initiation), 3-4 days (dose change)
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TEST
Carbohydrate
transferrin
deficient
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5 mL blood gold top tube
<2.6%
REFERENCE RANGE
5ml blood gold top tube
0-3.4 ug/L
5mL blood gold top tube
(protect from light)
0.19-1.58 umol/L
Carbon monoxide
Carcinoembryonic
(CEA)
antigen
Cardiac enzymes
Carnitines, see acyl carnitine
Carotene, beta
Catecholamines, urine
Please note: no longer
recommended.
See
metanephrines, urine
Catecholamines, plasma
Please note: no longer
recommended. See
metanephrines, plasma
C1 esterase inhibitor (mass
assay)
0.15 – 0.35 g/L
5ml blood gold top tube
40-150%
Ceramide trihexosides
urine
<0.03 mg/mmol
Chitotriosidase
5 mL light green top or purple
top
<150 nmol/h/mL
Chloride, blood
Chloride, sweat
5ml blood gold top tube
Sweat
Special collection containers
are issued only via the lab
5ml blood gold top tube
98-107 mmol/L
<40 mmol/L (Normal)
40-60 mmol/L (Equivocal)
>60 mmol/L (Positive)
<5.0 mmol/L
Cholesterol – Total
inhibitor
For patients with documented low vit A concentrations.
Requests are individually reviewed. Analysed at St Helier 0208
2962804
Not routinely available. Plasma/urine mets are more sensitive and
specific.
Analysed at Epsom & St Helier Hospital.
No longer offered. Request plasma metanephrines
5ml blood gold top tube
C1
esterase
(functional)
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 2 weeks. Available for patients of Dr Bradley T15 and PPW
patients only.
Analysed at Viapath 0203299 3856
See Gases. No service in Biochemistry, refer to ITU for analysis on
blood gas machine
24 hour availability. For monitoring carcinoma of the colon /
rectum
Not suitable as a screening test
see Creatine Kinase
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks. Request C3 and C4 concurrently.N.B. If C4 normal,
deficiency is unlikely.
Analysed at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital 0121 424 2105
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks. Request C3 and C4 concurrently.N.B. If C4 normal,
deficiency is unlikely.
Analysed at Sheffield Northern 0114 271 5552
Requests are individually reviewed. For dx and monitoring of
Fabry’s. Analysed at ICH
Requests are individually reviewed. For monitoring of Gaucher’s
disease
Analysed at Gt Ormond St Hospital 02072429789 x2114
24 hour availability
Sample requires special or immediate attention. Transfer to lab
immediately, routine transport not suitable.
24 hour availability
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Page 11 of 35
TEST
Cholesterol (HDL), High
density lipoprotein
Cholesterol (LDL),
Low
density lipoprotein
Cholinesterase (activity and
phenotyping)
5ml blood gold top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
0.9-1.5 mmol/L (Male)
1.2-1.7 mmol/L (Female)
< 3.5 mmol/L
5ml blood gold top tube
See report
4 mL blood purple top. Use
plastic cannula and/or second
draw. Discard first 10 mL
4 mL blood purple top tube
Fasting and rapid separation
required
4ml blood purple top tube
MHRA/2010/33 cut-off of 7ppb corresponds to 134
nmol/L chromium
Citrate
24hr urine collected in plain
bottle or bottle with acid, or
10ml random urine
0.60-4.8 mmol/24 hour (Male)
1.30-6.0 mmol/24 hour (Female)
0.04-0.33 mmol/mmol creatinine (Male)
0.11-0.55 mmol/mmol creatinine (Female)
Clobazam + metabolite
5ml blood red top tube
Clonazepam
5ml blood red top tube
Clozapine (Clozaril)
4 mL blood purple top
Special request form required
See report
Cobalt
4 mL blood purple top
Use second draw (i.e. discard
first blood)
MHRA/2010/33 cut-off 7 ppb corresponds to 119
nmol/L
Chorionic Gonadotrophin
Chromium
Chromogranin
Ciclosporin
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5ml blood gold top tube
Chromogranin A <60 pmol/L
Chromogranin B <150 pmol/L
Dependent on patient type, dose route and clinical
application.
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
24 hour availability
Calculated from other results (Friedewald formula)
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks
Inhibition studies will be reported where relevant
Analysed at Cardiff Toxicology
See HCG
For metal-on metal hip replacement monitoring.
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks. Analysed at Royal Free Hospital
Fasting sample. See gut hormones
Sample requires special or immediate attention. Transfer to lab
immediately, routine transport not suitable.
Same day service if received by 11.00 Monday to Friday and by
08.00 Saturday. No Sunday service. Ideal sampling time: pre dose
Samples analysed at Royal Free Hospital
Molecular urology test. Batched for analysis on selected days
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
Predose sample
Refer to Novartis monitoring service 08457698269
Analysed at Kings (0203299 3856)
For metal on metal hip replacement monitoring. Requests
individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4 weeks.
Analysed at Royal Free Hospital.
September 2015
Page 12 of 35
TEST
Collagen type 1 cross-linked
C telopeptide (CTX)
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
4 mL blood purple top
Fasting, rapid separation
REFERENCE RANGE
(Children males and females)
<1 month
0.44-2.27 ug/L
1month -1year
0.20-2.31
1-9 years
0.15-0.82
Males
9-14y
0.23-1.24
14-17y
0.24-1.73
17-19y
0.10-0.79
Females
9-11y
0.30-1.0
11-13y
0.33-1.7
13-15y
0.14-1.20
15-19y
0.05-0.58
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Sample must be sent to lab without delay for separation.
Requests individually reviewed. Analysed at Norfolk and Norwich
Cannot be requested retrospectively
Adult Males and pre-menopausal Females (20-50y)
0.1-0.5 ug/L
Collagen type 1 N-telopeptide
(see NTX)
Complement (C3 and/or C4)
Copper
Cortisol
C-peptide
5ml blood gold top tube
5ml blood white top tube
or
C3 0.90-1.80 g/L
C4 0.10-0.40 g/L
0-4m: 1.4-7.2 umol/L
4-6m: 3.9-17.3 umol/L
6-12m: 7.9-20.5 umol/L
>12m: 11.0-22.0 umol/L
24hr urine collected in plain
bottle
5ml blood gold top tube
(LiHep accepted for paediatric
samples only)
<1.0 umol/24h
24hr urine collected in plain
bottle
5ml blood gold or red top
tube ON ICE
(and 2mL light grey top tube
for concurrent glucose level
and yellow top for insulin)
0-250 nmol/24h
Usually 24 hour availability
Requests individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks. White top tubes are available from lab.
Analysed at Royal Free Hospital
24 hour availability. See also dynamic function tests
Change to Roche GenII method (ID-GCMS aligned) 23/9/15
06.00-10.00 142-497 nmol/L
Urines are batched for analysis on selected days
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transport to lab
immediately on ice with concomitant glucose and insulin.
Routine transport not suitable. All requests reviewed by senior staff.
Investigation of spontaneous hypoglycaemia. Glucose level must
always be measured at same time.
Analysed at Royal Surrey Hospital, 01483406715
Cannot be requested retrospectively
260-650 pmol/L (Fasting)
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 13 of 35
TEST
C-Reactive Protein
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5ml blood gold top tube
Creatine and guanidinoacetate
5 mL blood green top tube or
urine
Must be sent on ice
Creatine kinase – Total
5ml blood gold top tube
Creatine kinase
Isoenzyme
Creatinine
Creatinine clearance
CRF test
CRP
Cryoglobulins
–
MB
5ml blood gold top tube
5ml blood gold top tube
or
REFERENCE RANGE
0-3.2 mg/L (0-2 Days)
0-1.6 mg/L (2-8 Days)
0-5.0 mg/L (>8 Days)
Plasma creatine: 10-100 umol/L
Plasma guanidinoacetate: 0.8-3.1 umol/L
Urine creatine
0-4y 6-1200 umol/mmol
4-12 17-720 umol/mmol
>12y 11-240 umol/mmol
urine guanidinoacetate
0-15y 4-220 umol/mmol
>15y 3-78 umol/mmol
38-204 IU/L (Male)
26-140 IU/L (Female)
0-4.9 ug/L (Male)
0-2.9 ug/L (Female)
21-75 umol/L (0-60 Days)
15-37 umol/L (60-365 Days)
21-36 umol/L (1-3 Years)
27-42 umol/L (3-5 Years)
28-52 umol/L (5-7 Years)
35-53 umol/L (7-9 Years)
34-65 umol/L (9-11 Years)
46-70 umol/L (11-13 Years)
50-77 umol/L (13-15 Years)
66-112 umol/L (Male >15 Years,)
49-92 umol/L (Female >15 Years,)
24hr urine collected in plain
bottle
24hr urine collected in plain
bottle
and
5ml blood gold top tube
Follow dynamic function test
protocol
7.0-21.0 mmol/24h
Reference range for adults only
70-152 ml/min
5ml blood Red top tube
maintained
at
37°C
For cryofibrinogen include
4ml blood purple top tube
maintained at 37°C
In normal subjects no cryoproteins are present.
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
24 hour availability
For inherited disorders of creatine deficiency only
All requests reviewed by senior staff.
Analysed at Cambridge Biochemical Genetics
24 hour availability
24 hour availability
24 hour availability
24 hour availability
Blood Cortisol after injecting CRF
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
See C-Reactive Protein
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transfer to lab
immediately, while maintaining sample at 37°C. Routine transport
not suitable. Batched for analysis on selected days
NB 37°C is blood temperature. Do NOT put blood samples into hot
water.
September 2015
Page 14 of 35
TEST
CSF profile (CSF protein and
glucose)
CSF IgG
CSF lactate
Cyclosporin, see ciclosporin
Cystic fibrosis genotyping
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
0.5 ml CSF plain tube
(gold top/gel is not suitable)
and
0.5ml CSF light grey top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
CSF protein 0.13-0.40g/L
0.5ml CSF light grey top tube
CSF lactate 1.1-2.4 mmol/L
See Oligoclonal proteins
24 hour availability
Cystine/homocystine, Urine,
Screen
Cystine/homocystine, Urine,
Quantitative
Cystine/homocystine, Blood
Dehydroepiandrosterone
sulphate (DHEAS)
7-Dehydrosterols
Deoxy-cortisol, 11
10ml urine (EMU)
Not detected
Originator must refer patient directly to Regional Genetics Lab at
Gt Ormond St. We do not forward samples.
Molecular urology test Batched for analysis on selected days
24hr urine collected in plain
bottle
5ml blood green top tube
5ml blood gold top tube
41-415 umol/24h
Batched for analysis on selected days
Full report issued
0.4-13.4 umol/L (Male)
0.26-11.0 umol/L (Female)
Batched for analysis on selected days
24 hour availability
Dexamethasone suppression
test
Follow dynamic function test
protocol
Diazepam
5 mL blood red top tube
(predose)
5ml blood gold top tube
Digoxin
4 ml blood purple top tube
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
24 hour availability
Includes appearance, protein and glucose
Random urine
5mL gold /red top tube
7-13 nmol/L (9am)
0.9-2.0 ug/L (0.5-1.0 ug/L in heart failure)
Note: change of units implemented 16/7/12
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
5ml blood Red top tube
Diuretic screen
Dopamine
See Drug screen, diuretic
<0.27 prepubertal
<0.6 nmol/L (Adult Female)
0.32-1.64 nmol/L (Adult Male)
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Results available in 7 days
For diagnosis and monitoring of 11β-hydroxylase deficiency only.
Requests are individually reviewed by Clin Biochem senior medical
or scientific staff
Analysed at Royal London 02032460383
Blood Cortisol after oral dexamethasone. See DFT information
Blood and urine Cortisol after prolonged (4-6 days) stepped-dose
dexamethasone
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff.
Analysed at Cardiff Toxicology
24 hour availability. Ideal sampling time: at least 6 hours (may be
up to 24 hours) after last dose, oral or iv. Time to steady state:
7days
Requests are individually reviewed by Clin Biochem senior medical
or scientific staff. Analysed at Royal London 02032460383
See Catecholamines
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 15 of 35
TEST
Drug Screen: Drugs
Addiction
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
25ml random urine
Negative
Drug Screen : Diuretic Screen
25ml random urine
Negative
Drug Screen: Laxative Screen
25ml random urine
Negative
Drug Overdose
Samples
25ml random urine with
5ml blood red top tube and
2ml blood light grey top tube
25ml random urine with
5ml blood Red top tube and
2ml blood Light grey top tube
:
Drug
Overdose:
toxicology screen
of
Save
Urgent
eGFR
Calculation
Elastase (faecal)
1g (almond-size lump) faeces
in plain pot
Electrophoresis
Proteins
Electrophoresis
Proteins
ELF test
–
Serum
–
Urine
REFERENCE RANGE
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Usually 24 hour availability
Screens for:
Opiates
Cocaine
Methadone
Benzodiazepines
Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Cannabis
Requests are individually reviewed.
Samples referred to Birmingham City Hospital
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks
Analysed at Birmingham City Hospital
The laboratory will store these samples to be available for the
Coroner
Interpret with regard to UK CKD guidelines
www.renal.org/CKDguide/ckd.html
>200 ug/g normal
<5-100 ug/g indicates severe pancreatic insufficiency
100-200 ug/g indicates moderate insufficiency
Urgent screening must be agreed with a senior member of the
laboratory staff. Full clinical details and all current drug treatments
will be required. It is very unusual for urgent toxicology to be
clinically useful. See also Paracetamol, and Salicylate
Calculated from creatinine in all patients >18y.
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks
Analysed at Gt Ormond St 02078297806
5ml blood gold top tube
Batched for analysis on selected days
25ml urine (EMU preferred)
Batched for analysis on selected days
See also Bence-Jones Protein
Referred out test. For Camden & Islington CCG only
5 mL blood gold top tube
For interpretation see C&I algorithm
Erythrocyte
acetylcholinesterase
Ethanol
5mL EDTA (purple top) blood
7524-13323 U/L
Ethosuxemide
5 mLblood red top tube
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Referred out test.
Analysed at Cardiff Toxicology
See Alcohol
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 16 of 35
TEST
Everolimus
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
4 mL blood purple top tube
Fatty acids, essential (includes
C15-22)
Felbamate
4 mL blood purple top tube
Ferritin
5ml blood gold top tube
Flecainide
5 mL blood gold top tube or
green top
Predose sample
5ml blood gold top tube
Follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH)
Folate
REFERENCE RANGE
5 mL blood red top tube
Fractional Phosphate
Reabsorption
5 mL blood gold top tube or
green top
10ml random urine with
5ml blood gold top tube
Free light chains (serum)
5 mL blood gold top tube
Free T3
Free T4
Fructosamine
5ml blood gold top tube
Gabapentin
5 mL blood red top tube
Galactose-1-phosphate
5 mL blood green top tube
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Requests are individually reviewed. Analysed at Analytical
Toxicology Unit, St George’s 0208 7679686
Test no longer available.
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
24 hour availability. Iron + IBC preferred as first line tests for
anaemia
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff.
Analysed at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, 0114 2713905
Male 30-400 ug/L
Female 13-150 ug/L
Male: 1.5-12.4 IU/L
Female:
3.5-12.5 IU/L (Follicular)
4.7-21.5 IU/L (Mid cycle)
1.7-7.7 IU/L (Luteal)
25.8-134.8 IU/L (Post menopausal)
4.6-18.7 ng/mL
24 hour availability
Normal 0.8-1.44
Requires serum and urine creatinine and phosphate results. Usually
24 hour availability.
Free kappa 3.3-19.4 mg/L
Free lambda 5.7-26.3 mg/L
Kappa:lambda ratio 0.26-1.65
4.0-6.8 pmol/L
12.0-22.0 pmol/L
215-264 umol/L (Non-diabetic)
264-320 umol/L (Well-controlled)
320-476 umol/L (Poorly controlled)
0.1-0.57 umol/g Hb
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks
Only for monitoring diabetic control in patients with an abnormal
haemoglobin (invalidating HbA1c)
Analysed at East Surrey Hospital 01737768511 x1691
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
Requests individually reviewed. Results available in 5 weeks.
Analysed at GOS 02072429789 x2509
September 2015
Page 17 of 35
TEST
Galactose-1-uridyl phosphate
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5 mL blood green top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
Normal 20.2-46.4 umol/h/g Hb
Carrier: 10.2-21.4 umol/h/g Hb
Affected: 0.2-3.9 umol/h/g Hb
Gamma-glutamyl transferase
(GGT)
5ml blood gold top tube
20-183 IU/L (0-30 Days)
20-155 IU/L (31 days to 3 months)
10-130 IU/L (3- 6 months)
10-71 IU/L (Male)
6-42 IU/L (Female)
Gases
2ml blood
(heparin syringe on ice)
NOT AVAILABLE IN
BIOCHEMISTRY
Gastrin (Fasting essential)
2 X 4ml blood purple top tube
ON ICE (see notes)
<40 pmol/L
Gentamicin
5mL gold top tube
Glucagon (Fasting essential)
4ml blood purple top tube (see
notes)
Microbiology test (analysed in biochemistry)
See intranet guides for interpretation
http://microguide.horizonsp.co.uk/viewer/uclh/adult
http://microguide.horizonsp.co.uk/viewer/uclh/paed
<50 pmol/L
Glucose
3ml blood light grey top tube
or
0.5ml CSF light grey top tube
or
5ml fresh random urine
3ml blood Light grey top tube
Follow dynamic function test
protocol
4ml blood purple top tube
Glucose (oral) tolerance test
Glycated
(HbA1c)
haemoglobin
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
For investigation of prolonged conjugated jaundice.
Please do not request on Friday or over weekend.
Requests individually reviewed. Results available in 5 weeks.
Analysed at GSTS 020 7188 2591
Results unreliable unless at least 120 days post transfusion
24 hour availability
This test NOT AVAILABLE within Clinical Biochemistry Lab – do
NOT transport sample to lab. Take directly to ITU or A/E. Note for
safety, needle MUST be removed before transporting sample.
Sample requires special or immediate action (see Guidance note
#19). Transport to lab immediately, on ice. Requests are
individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4 weeks Off
Omeprazole for 2 weeks; H2 blockers for 3 days and antacids for 1
day.
Analysed at Charing Cross 0203383 5914
3.9-5.8 mmo/L
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transport to lab
immediately, on ice. Requests are individually reviewed, results are
available in 2 to 4 weeks.
Analysed at Charing Cross
24 hour availability.
2.2-3.9 mmol/L
Not detected
For interpretation see dynamic function test protocol
Blood and urine glucose after 75g oral load
4.0-6.0 % total Hb
20-42 mmol/mol (IFCC)
Batched for analysis on selected days. For monitoring established
diabetes.
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 18 of 35
TEST
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
See Primary hyperoxaluria
metabolites
See Primary hyperoxaluria
metabolites
Glycerate
Glycolate
Glycosaminoglycans
mucopolysaccharides)
Glyoxylate reductase
REFERENCE RANGE
Molecular Urology test. Batched for analysis on selected days.
(see
Gonadotrophins
GRHPR
gene
(Primary
hyperoxaluria type 2)
Growth Hormone (GH)
See Mucopolysaccharides
20mg liver biopsy, frozen
49-213 nmol NADP formed/min/mg
4 mL blood purple top tube
Full report issued
5ml blood red top tube
Gut hormones
2x5mL purple top tubes on
ice.
Patient must be fasting and off
treatment (see notes)
Haptoglobin
HbA1c
HCG
5ml blood gold top tube
Pulsatile secretion means that random sampling has
little value
A random value >6.7 ug/L tends to exclude GH
deficiency
VIP <30 pmol/L
Pancreatic polypeptide <300 pmol/L
Gastrin <60 pmol/L
Glucagon <50 pmol/L
Somatostatin <150 pmol/L
Chromogranin A <60 pmol/L
Chromogranin B <150 pmol/L
0.3-2.0 g/L
5ml blood gold top tube
0-3 IU/L
HCG, CSF
HCG, pregnancy test
1 mL CSF
5ml random urine
<1 IU/L (adult)
HDL cholesterol
Hexosaminidase (Tay Sachs)
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Molecular Urology test. Batched for analysis on selected days.
8 mL blood green top tube
Batched for analysis on selected days.
Samples require special or immediate action (see Guidance note
#19). Transport to lab immediately, on ice. Requests are
individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4 weeks For
gastrin must be off Omeprazole for 2 weeks; and H2 blockers for 3
days. Includes gastrin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic
polypeptide, VIP, chromogranin A and B.
Analysed at Charing Cross 0203383 5914
Usually 24 hour availability
See Glycated haemoglobin
24 hour availability
24 hour availability
Not out of hours. For ?ectopic out of hours, send blood in gold top
tube for HCG
(A&E and some wards carry supply of Clearview Easy pregnancy
testing strips)
24h availability
0.9-1.5 mmol/L (Male)
1.2-1.7 mmol/L (Female)
Refer to report
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Molecular Urology test For diagnosis of primary hyperoxaluria
type 2
See FSH and LH
Molecular Urology test
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff, results available
within 2-4 weeks. Analysed at Gt Ormond St 02074059200 x5076
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 19 of 35
TEST
5-HIAA
HMMA
HOGA1
gene
(primary
hyperoxaluria type 3)
3-hydroxybutyrate
(blood
ketones)
11β-hydroxylase genetics
Hydroxycholecalciferol
4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate
Hydroxyprogesterone (17)
17β-hydroxysteroid
dehydrogenase type 3 genetics
Homocysteine
IA2 antibodies
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
24h urine (acid collection or
can be acidified on receipt in
lab). See notes for patient
preparation
REFERENCE RANGE
0 – 42 umol/24h
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff, results available
within 2-4 weeks. Analysed at Royal Free Hospital.
Request Urine Catecholamines
Molecular Urology test
4 mL blood purple top tube
Full report issued
2 mL green top (heparin) or
orange top paediatric tube
4 mL blood purple top tube
mmol/L (adults <200 umol/L, infants <400 umol/L)
See Primary hyperoxaluria
metabolites
5 mL gold, red or green top
tube
4 mL blood purple top tube
4 mL green top tube
(gold top can be used but need
to separate samples rapidly,
see notes)
5 mL blood gold top tube
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Avoid the following for 3 days prior to collection:
 Bananas, plantain, plums, pineapple, tomatoes, kiwi fruit,
avocados, dates, pecan/hickory nuts, walnuts
 Nicotine and smoking
 Cough and antihistamine preparations, along with nasal
sprays/drops
Full report issued
As part of investigation for unexplained hypoglycaemia in children
Note change in units from 1/08/2013
Molecular Urology test
See Vitamin D
≤5 days M+F <3.0 nmol/L
≤16y M + F <4.0 nmol/L
>16 y M <5.0 nmol/L
>16 y F <5.0 nmol/L (result may be higher in luteal)
Carriers for 21-hydroxylase deficiency may show
higher values
Full report issued
Steroid Endocrinology test. Daily analysis. Preliminary results on
urgent samples can be available same day of sample receipt with
confirmation by 1100 next day. Urgent samples should first be
discussed with senior staff and arrive in the lab by 1100
5-12 umol/L
Needs rapid processing. Mark form ‘urgent’
Levels increase with delay
Neurometabolic laboratory test
Refer to report
Request are individually reviewed by senior staff.
Analysed at King’s College Hospital Immunology.
Molecular Urology test
IGF1, see insulin like growth
factor
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 20 of 35
IGF1BP3
TEST
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5 mL blood gold or red tube
REFERENCE RANGE
0-2y 0.5-2.9 mg/L
3-4 y 0.8-3.4 mg/L
5-6y 1.0-3.8 mg/L
7-8y 1.1-4.3 mg/L
9-10y 1.3-4.6 mg/L
11-12y 1.6-5.0 mg/L
13-14y 2.1-5.3 mg/L
15-16y 2.5-5.4 mg/L
17-18y 2.4-5.4 mg/L
19-20y 2.3-5.3 mg/L
21-40y 1.7-5.2 mg/L
41-60y 1.3-4.8 mg/L
61-80y 0.7-4.4 mg/L
>80y 0.5-4.3 mg/L
Immunofixation
Immunoglobulins – G, A, M
5ml blood gold top tube
Immunoglobulin D
5 mL blood gold top tube
2.3-14.1 g/L (IgG 0-1 Years)
4.5-9.2 g/L (IgG 1-4 Years)
5.0-14.6 g/L (IgG 4-7 Years)
5.7-14.7 g/L (IgG 7-10 Years)
7.0-16.0 g/L (IgG >10 Years)
0-1.0 g/L (IgA 0-4 Years)
0.3-3.0 g/L (IgA 4-10 Years)
0.5-3.6 g/L (IgA 10-14 Years)
0.5-3.5 g/L (IgA 14-20 Years)
0.7-4.0 g/L (IgA >20 Years)
0-1.5 g/L (IgM 0-4 Years)
0.2-2.1 g/L (IgM 4-10 Years)
0.3-2.4 g/L (IgM 10-14 Years)
0.2-2.6 g/L (IgM 14-20 Years)
0.4-2.3 g/L (IgM >20 Years)
2-100 kU/L
Immunoglobulin – E (total)
5ml blood gold top tube
Immunoglobulin
(IgG subclasses)
5 mL blood gold top tube
subclasses
See Paraprotein typing and quantitation
Usually 24 hour availability
<15 kU/L (0-1 Years)
<60 kU/L (2-5 Years)
<90 kU/L (5-9 Years)
<200 kU/L (9-15 Years)
<100 kU/L (>15 Years)
Age specific for each sub-class. See report
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Guildford 01483406715
PD-CB-411 v21
Rarely required.
Analysed at Northern General
24 hour availability
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff, results available
within 3 weeks.
Analysed at Northern General, 0114 271 5552
September 2015
Page 21 of 35
TEST
Infliximab antibodies
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5 mL blood gold top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
Positive or negative
Infliximab drug levels
5 mL blood gold top tube
Trough sample
5 mL blood gold top tube
Reference range not established
Inhibin B
Insulin
5ml blood gold top tube
(and 2mL light grey top tube
for concurrent glucose level)
Insulin antibodies
5 mL blood gold top tube
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1
(IGF1)
5mL blood gold top tube
Insulin tolerance test
Follow dynamic function test
protocol
5 mL blood red or green top.
Urine (random)
Calculation
5ml blood gold top tube
Iodine
Ions difference
Iron and Iron
Capacity (IBC)
Binding
Males: 25-325 ng/L
Females:
day 3 <273 ng/L
Otherwise <341 ng/L
Post menopausal <5 ng/L
2.6-24.9 mIU/L
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 3 weeks.
Analysed at Charing Cross 0208 846 1415
Refer to report
2m-5y
6-8y
9-11y
12-15y
16-20y
21-24y
25-40y
41-50y
51-60y
61-75y
Female
4.4-22.3
10.4-31.7
11.4-51.9
24.5-66.3
34.8-61.2
19.4-43.2
16.1-39.8
12.6-35.5
12.9-33.0
11.8-28.6
Units nmol/L
Male
3.6-14.8
7.1-26.8
11.1-32.3
15.0-64.8
32.1-62.6
24.4-52.0
16.3-39.3
11.6-31.3
12.2-30.0
12.7-29.3
24 hour availability. For investigation of spontaneous
hypoglycaemia. Glucose level must always be measured at same
time.
Please note: assay unlikely to detect insulin lispro,aspart,glargine or
determir
Request are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Royal Surrey County Hospital, 01483 259978
Batched for analysis on selected days
Change of method to Diasorin on 18/12/2012
Glucose, Cortisol and Growth hormone after injecting insulin
(hazardous)
Requests are individually reviewed
Analysed at Southampton
See Anion gap
24 hour availability
10.6-28.3 umol/L (Iron Male)
6.6-26.0 umol/L (Iron Female)
41-77 umol/L (IBC)
Saturation 20-50% (Male)
Saturation 15-50% (Female)
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
For monitoring patients on Infliximab
Analysed at Royal Devon and Exeter
For monitoring patients on infliximab
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 22 of 35
TEST
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
24hr urine collected in plain
bottle
Iron, Urine
Ketones (qualitative)
Ketones (blood), see
hydroxybutyrate
Labstix
REFERENCE RANGE
10ml random urine
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks.
Analysed at Guildford, 01483259978
24 hour availability. See also “Labstix”
3These sticks are widely available for local clinical use – includes
pH, Protein, Blood, Glucose, Ketones, etc
24 hour availability. Sample must be transported to the lab
immediately.
24 hour availability
N.B. Assay change from 4/4/2011 with significant change in ref
range
Lactate
3ml blood light grey top tube
0.5-2.2 mmol/L
Lactate dehydrogenase
5ml blood gold top tube
Females 135-214 IU/L
Males 135 -225 IU/L
Children ( up to 15) 120 – 300 IU/L
Lamotrigene
5 mL blood gold top
Laxative Screen
Random urine, 20 mL
Negative
LDL Cholesterol
Lead (inorganic)
4ml blood purple top tube
< 0.5 umol/L (Normal)
>3.0 umol/L (Toxic)
Lead, urine (organic)
20 mL random urine or 5 mL
paediatric urine
<0.1 umol/24h or see report if random
Levetiracetam
5 mL blood red top
LHRH test
Follow dynamic function test
protocol
5 mL gold top tube
13-60 IU/L
Restricted use. For ?acute pancreatitis, use amylase
5ml blood gold top tube
See individual components
24 hour availability
5ml blood gold top tube
5ml blood gold top tube
0-0.3 g/L
0.6-1.0 mmol/L (at lower end for maintenance
therapy and the elderly)
Usually 24 hour availability
Usually 24 hour availability. Time to steady state: 4 – 7 days. Ideal
sampling time: 12h after night time dose (trough level). Urgent
analysis usually available for overdose cases. Do NOT use light
green top tube – lithium heparin anticoagulant.
Lipase
(Trial use only)
Lipid profile (fasting)
Inc:Cholesterol ,
Triglycerides, HDLchol,
LDLchol, & Chol/HDL ratio
Lipoprotein (a)
Lithium
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
Requests are individually reviewed
Analysed at West Park, Epsom 01372 734720
See Cholesterol (LDL)
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks
Analysed at Guildford, 01483259978
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 2 weeks. Analysed at Trace Element lab, Guildford 01483
259978
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
FSH, LH after injecting LHRH
September 2015
Page 23 of 35
TEST
Liver profile
Inc:
Albumin, Bilirubin,
Alkaline
Phosphatase, ALT
Luteinising hormone (LH)
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5ml blood gold top tube
Macroprolactin
5ml blood gold top tube
Magnesium
Magnesium, Urine
Mannose binding lectin
5ml blood gold top tube
24 h urine collected in bottle
with acid
4 mL blood purple top (plastic
canula or if using needle,
discard first 10 mL)
5 mL gold top tube
Mercury (inorganic)
25 ml random urine
Mercury (organic)
Metanephrines, plasma
5 mL purple top tube
2 x 4 mLpurple top tubes,
ON ICE
Metanephrines, urine
24h urine (acid collection or
can be acidified on receipt in
lab)
Methotrexate
5ml blood gold top tube
umol/L
Dependent on patient type and dose route.
Methylmalonic acid
2 mL gold/purple/green top
tube
Methylmalonic acid
Methylhistamine
Microalbumin
5 mL urine
10 mL random urine
Normal: up to 0.29 umol/L
0.30-0.74 umol/L suggests B12 deficiency
>0.74 umol/L consistent with overt B12 deficiency
<30 umol/mmol creatinine
Manganese
5ml blood gold top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
24 hour availability
1.7-8.6 IU/L (Male)
2.4-12.6 IU/L (Follicular)
14.0-95.6 IU/L (Mid cycle)
1.0-11.4 IU/L (Luteal)
7.7-58.5 IU/L (Post menopausal)
24 hour availability
Assayed weekly. Routinely assessed if prolactin >700. See
Guidance note 23 on intranet
24 hour availability
Usually 24 hour availability
0.6-1.0 mmol/L
2.5-8.5 mmol/24h
Refer to report
0-5y: 0.6-4.0 mg/L
>5y: 1.0-4.0 mg/L
<50 nmol/L
<30 nmol/L
Normetanephrine 120-1180 pmol/L
Metanephrine 80-510 pmol/L
3-methoxytyramine <180 pmol/L
Refer to report
0-2.8 mg/mmol creatinine
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 2 weeks. Analysed at Trace Element lab, Guildford 01483
259978
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff
Analysed at Northern General
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks.
For cases of suspected exposure to mercury vapour or inorganic
mercury salts
Analysed at Guildford, 01483259978
Analysed at Guildford, 01483259978
Sample must be sent to lab immediately. Routine porter is not
suitable.
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff, results available
within 2-4 weeks. Some drugs affect measurement: please list drug
history. Plasma metanephrines sample preferred.
Analysed at Epsom & St Helier Hospital.
Daily service, including Saturday and Sunday. Sample must be
received before 2pm.
Analysed in Neurometabolic Unit 020344 84716
Analysed at GOS
Test no longer available. SeeTryptase
See Albumin, urine
September 2015
Page 24 of 35
TEST
Microglobulin (2)
Mucopolysaccharides
5ml random fresh urine
Individual reports given
Muscle enzymes
Mycophenalate
Myoglobin
5 ml blood gold top
10ml random urine
Individual reports given
NAG
(N-acetylglucosaminidase),
urine
10 mL random urine
<1y : 2-27 U/mmol
1-5y 2-22 U/mmol
5-10y 2-10 U/mmol
10-16y 2-12 U/mmol
Non-esterified fatty acids
(NEFA)
Neurone specific enolase
1 mL heparinised blood (green
top tube); orange paediatric
tube
5 ml blood gold top
Noradrenaline
NT-proBNP
5 ml blood gold top
NTX
(collagen
telopeptide)
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
1
Occult blood
Oestradiol
Olanzapine
Oligoclonal proteins (CSF)
N-
REFERENCE RANGE
0.1-0.6 mmol/L
For investigation of hypoglycaemia
<12.5 ug/L
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 1 week. Analysed at Northern General 0114 2715552
See Catecholamines, Urine
For primary care and Heart Hospital use ONLY.
Requests from other sources should contact the duty biochemist
Heart failure unlikely <47 pmol/L
Raised levels:47-236 pmol/L (echocardiography
within 6 weeks)
High: >236 pmol/L (echocardiography within 2 wks)
20 mL random urine, ideally
2nd morning void collected
between 8-11am
Female: 5-65BCE/mmol creatinine
Male: <51 nmol BCE/mmol creatinine
The least significant change is 40%
5ml blood gold top tube
Male: 44-146 pmol/L
Female:
46-607 pmol/l (Follicular)
315-1828 pmol/l (Mid-cycle)
161-774 pmol/l (Luteal)
<201 pmol/l (Post menopausal)
4 mL blood purple top tube
preferred, gold top can be
used
1ml CSF Plain tube with
5ml blood red top tube
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
See Beta-2 Microglobulin
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks
Analysed at Gt Ormond St, 0207829 8662
See Creatine Kinase
For suspicion of toxicity. Analysed at St Georges 02087679686
Qualitative stix test. Usually daily service. CK is a more sensitive
marker of muscle damage
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at Gt
Ormond St 02078298662. Usually requested with retinal binding
protein.
http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG108/QuickRefGuide/pdf/English
for GPs, see guidance at www.uclh.nhs.uk/biochemistry Information
for GPs
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 4 weeks. Analysed at Charing Cross
For monitoring patients on bisphosphonates suggest 3-6 monthly
intervals
See Blood (faeces)
24 hour availability
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Viapath, King’s College 02032998656
Individual reports given
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Neuroimmunology test
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 25 of 35
TEST
Organic acids (screen)
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5ml urine fresh random
REFERENCE RANGE
Individual reports given
Orotate
Urine (random)
<5 umol/mmol creatinine
Osmolality
5ml blood gold top tube
5ml random urine
285-295 mosmo/kg
300-900 mosmo/kg
Oxalate, Plasma
4ml blood purple top tube
<10 umol/L (Non-fasting)
Oxalate, Urine
24hr urine collected in bottle
with acid
100-460 mmol/24 hour
(adults, for children correct for BSA)
Ox/cre ratio:
0-6 months
<291 umol/mmol
7-23 months <220 umol/mmol
2-4 years
<143 umol/mmol
5-11 years <76 umol/mmol
12 -17 years
<44 umol/mmol
18+ female <45 umol/mmol
18+ male
<33 umol/mmol
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks
Analysed at Gt Ormond St 02074059200 x5229
Requests are individually reviewed. Results are available in 3-4
weeks
Analysed at Gt Ormond St 02074059200 x5229
usually 24 hour availability
Molecular Urology test. Sample requires special or immediate
action. Transport to lab immediately. Routine transport not
suitable.
Molcular Urology test. Batched for analysis on selected days
Ref range change for ox/cre ratio from 1/10/14
Oxcarbazepine
5 mL blood red top tube
Oxygen
Pancreolauryl Test
Paracetamol
5ml blood gold top tube
10-30 mg/L
and
5ml blood red top tube
No paraprotein present.
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
See Gases
Test withdrawn
24 hour availability
Analyse ONCE ONLY at 4 – 12 hours after the overdose (state time
of overdose)
Batched for analysis on selected days
and
25 mL urine (EMU preferred)
Individual report issued
See Bence-Jones Protein
5ml blood gold top tube
1.6-6.9 pmol/L
24 hour availability. Samples must be transported to the laboratory
within 2 hours of venepuncture
Cannot be added retrospectively
Blood catecholamines before and after pentolinium suppression
Paraprotein
typing
quantitation, Serum
Paraprotein
typing
quantitation, Urine
Parathyroid hormone
Pentolinium Test
Light
green
top
tubes
Follow dynamic function test
protocol
pH Blood
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
See Gases
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 26 of 35
TEST
Phenobarbitone
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5mL fresh random urine
transported to lab immediately
5ml blood gold top tube
Phenobarbitone (free level)
5 mL blood red top tube
Phenytoin
5ml blood gold top tube
Phenytoin (free)
5 mL blood red top tube
pH Urine
REFERENCE RANGE
Therapeutic range 10-40 mg/L
(please note, units changed to mg/L occurred on
13/8/12)
Therapeutic range 10-20 mg/L
(please note, units changed to mg/L occurred on
13/8/12)
Phosphatase
Phosphate
5ml blood gold top tube
Phosphate
24hr urine collected in bottle
with acid
4ml blood green top tube
Phytanate
Phytosterols
5 mL blood green or red top
tube
Piracetam
5 mL blood red top tube
Pituitary Function Test
Follow dynamic function test
protocol on intranet
25mL random fresh urine
Protect sample from light
Porphobilinogen, Urine
(for screening & quantitation)
1.45-2.91 mmol/L (0-10 Days)
1.45-2.16 mmol/L (10 Days-2 Years)
1.45-1.78 mmol/L (2-13 Years)
0.87-1.45 mmol/L (>13 Years)
13-42 mmol/24h
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
See Acid load test or Labstix
Usually 24 hour availability. Ideal sample time: pre dose. Time to
steady state: 3 weeks
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
Usually 24 hour service Ideal sampling time: (oral) Pre-dose, (IV) 6
hours post-dose. Time to steady state: (oral) 2 – 4 weeks on
initiation, 7 days on change of dose, (IV) 6 hours
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
See Acid Phosphatase
See Alkaline Phosphatase
24 hour availability
24 hour availability
<10 umol/L
See Fatty acids, long chain
Refer to report
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Sample requires
immediate action. Transport to lab immediately, routine transport
not suitable. Analysed at Institute of Child Health, Prof Clayton
02079052664
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
Blood glucose, cortisol, growth hormone after iv insulin
(hazardous)
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transport to lab
immediately, protected from light. Usually daily service for screen
if received by noon Mon to Fri.
Quantitation if required at University Hospital of Wales
02920743565
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 27 of 35
TEST
Porphyrins, Urine
(for screening & quantitation)
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
25mL random fresh urine
Protect sample from light
Porphyrins, Blood
4mL blood purple top tube
Protect sample from light
Porphyrins, Faeces
Faeces (fresh random)
Protect sample from light
Potassium
Potassium, Urine
5ml blood gold top tube
24hr urine collected in plain or
acid bottle or 10 ml random
urine
5 mL blood red top tube
3.5-5.1 mmol/L
25-125 mmol/24h
5 mL random urine
Urine samples from non-pregnant females generally
contain <10 mIU/mL hCG. On the first day of the
missed period the levels of maternal hCG are
normally 50-250 mIU/mL. The minimum detection
limit of the strip is 25 mIU/mL.
Reported as: not detected or Positive
Pregabalin
Pregnancy
Urine
test
“Routine”,
Pregnancy test ?Ectopic
See HCG
Primary hyperoxaluria
genetics, see AGXT, GRHPR,
HOGA1
Primary hyperoxaluria
metabolites
REFERENCE RANGE
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transport to lab
immediately, protected from light. Usually daily service for screen
if received by noon Mon to Fri.
Quantitation if required at University Hospital of Wales
02920743565
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transport to lab
immediately, protected from light. Requests are individually
reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4 weeks.
Analysed at University Hospital of Wales 02920743565
Sample requires special or immediate action. Transport to lab
immediately, protected from light. Requests are individually
reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4 weeks.
Analysed at University Hospital of Wales 02920743565
24 hour availability
24 hour availability
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
Batched for analysis on selected days
24 hour availability
Acidified urine: random or
24h
Glycolate excretion 140 – 620 mol/24h (adults,
correct to 1.73m2 for children)
Age related ranges for glycolate:creatinine ratio:
Under 1 year: 1 – 49
mol/mmol
1 - 4 years:
2 – 54
mol/mmol
5 - 11 years:
1 – 68 mol/mmol
>12 years: 14 – 57
mol/mmol
Glycerate:creatinine ratio <100 mol/mmol
HOG:creatinine ratio <11 mol/mmol
DHG:creatinine ratio <40 mol/mmol
Primidone
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Analyses glycolate, glycerate, hydroxyoxoglutarate, 2,4dihydroxyglutarate
For evaluation of patients with raised urinary oxalate
See Phenobarbitone
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 28 of 35
TEST
Procollagen type I
aminoterminal peptide
(P1NP)
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5mL blood purple top or gold
top tube
Fasting preferred
Procollagen III peptide
5 mL blood gold top tube
Progesterone
5ml blood gold top tube
Progesterone – 17OH
Prolactin
5ml blood gold top tube
Prostate specific antigen
5ml blood gold top tube
Protein, Total
5ml blood gold top tube
0.5ml CSF Plain tube
24hr urine collected in plain
bottle or 10 ml random urine
Protein selectivity
PTH
PTHrP (PTH related peptide)
Purines, plasma
REFERENCE RANGE
Adult male (19-65) 20-76 ug/L
Pre Menopausal Women (19-50) 19-69 ug/L
(Paediatric reference range available and will be
shown on reports)
0-2y M 10-50, F 10-50 ug/L
2-4y M 5-15, F 5-15 ug/L
5-10y M 5-10, F 5-10 ug/L
11-14y M 5-10, F 8-15 ug/L
15-19y M 8-20, F2-8 ug/L
20-65y M 1.7-4.2, F 1.7-4.2 ug/L
0.7-4.3 nmol/L (Male)
Female:
Follicular 0.6-4.7 nmol/L
Periovulatory 2.4-9.4 nmol/L
Luteal 5.3-86.0 nmol/L
Post menopausal: 0.3-2.5 nmol/L
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
For monitoring bone resorption.
Restricted availability
Analysed at Norfolk and Norwich
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 4 weeks. Analysed at Northern General 0114 271 5552
24 hour availability
See Hydroxyprogesterone, 17
24 hour availability
86-324 mIU/L (Male)
102-496 mIU/L (Female)
NO RANGE (Female)
0-1.4 ug/L (Male 0-40 Years)
0-2.0 ug/L (Male 40-50 Years)
0-3.1 ug/L (Male 50-60 Year)
0-4.1 ug/L (Male 60-70 Years)
0-4.4 ug/L (Male >70 Years)
63-83 g/L
0.13-0.4 g/L
0-13 mg/mmol creatinine
24 hour availability
24 hour availability
See Electrophoresis, Urine protein
See parathyroid hormone
5 mL blood collected in prearranged special tube
Refer to report
4 mL purple top tube
Refer to report
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
Special collection procedures apply. It is rarely necessary to
measure this hormone. Please call the laboratory (send away test
reviewer) to discuss this test request prior to taking blood.
Analysed at Norwich, 01603 287945
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Viapath Guy’s and St Thomas’ 02071881265.
Do not send on a Friday
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 29 of 35
TEST
Purines, urine
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
24h urine in plain bottle
Pyruvate, blood
45-150 umol/L
Quetiapine
Add 1 volume blood to 5
volumes 0.46M perchloric
acid (available from lab) on
ice. Mix vigorously before
sending to lab on ice.
4 mL blood purple top tube
Quinine
5 mL blood gold top tube
Refer to report
Rast
5 mL gold top tube
Reducing substances
10ml random fresh urine
Negative results with urine samples from healthy
individuals.
Batched for analysis on selected days
Renin
4 mL blood purple top tube.
4-12 nmol/l/hr (1-3 months)
2-6 nmol/l/hr (3-12 months)
2.2-7.70 nmol/l/hr (ambulant adult)
0.5-3.9 nmol/l/hr (recumbent adult)
Steroid Endocrinology test
Change of assay and ref range from 1/11/2014
<1 week 3.0-967 ug/mmol cre
1wk-6 mo: 1.5-448 ug/mmol
6mo-2y : 2.7-103 ug/mmol
2-5y : 4.5-89 ug/mmol
5-10y : 5.0-41 ug/mmol
10-16y : 3.9-32 ug/mmol
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at GOS,
0207 829 8662
Usually requested with NAG
5ml blood gold top tube
5mL blood gold top tube
Therapeutic range 0-300 mg/L
0-1.8 ug/L
4ml blood purple top tube
4ml blood purple top tube
Full report given
Full report given
24 hour availability
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Sheffield 0142715552
Molecular urology test
Molecular urology test
Retinol binding protein
Riboflavin, see Vitamin B2
Salicylate
SCC antigen (squamous cell
ca antigen)
Sco1 gene analysis
Sco2 gene analysis
Sample requires immediate
transfer to laboratory. Routine
transport not suitable. DO
NOT send on ice.
10 mL random urine, must be
frozen quickly
REFERENCE RANGE
50-200 ug/L
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Guy’s and St Thomas’ 02071881265.
Patients should be on caffeine free diet
Only required for the investigation of lactic acidosis.
Analysed at GOS
Email duty biochemist for special tubes required
(dutybiochemist@uclh.nhs.uk)
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Kings College 02032994133
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Kingspath
Sample time: Ideally pre 4th IV dose
Specific allergen must be stated. Non specific requests will not be
sent.
Immunology test
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 30 of 35
TEST
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5 ml blood white top tube
(LiHep accepted for paediatric
samples only)
Selenium
Sertraline
4 mL blood purple top tube or
white top tube
Serum amyloid A
Not routinely available
Sex
Hormone
Globulin (SHBG)
Binding
5ml blood gold top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
0-6m: 0.4-0.7 umol/L
6m-6y: 0.6-1.2 umol/L
>6y:
0.8-2.0 umol/L
16-55 nmol/L (Male <50)
19-83 nmol/L (Male ≥50)
27-146 nmol/L (Female <50)
22-142 nmol/L (Female ≥50)
12-20ng/mL at trough or 4-12 ng/mL if on
ciclosporin aswell (trough sample)
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Requests individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks. White top tubes are available from lab.
Analysed at Royal Free Hospital.
For compliance
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at Cardiff
Toxicology 029 2071 6893
If ?AA amyloidosis, contact National Amyloidosis centre at Royal
Free Hospital.
24 hour availability
Ref range change 5/8/13
Sirolimus (rapamycin)
4 ml blood purple top tube
Sodium
5ml blood gold top tube
135-145 mmol/L
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Harefield 01895 828967
Trough level preferred. 24h post dose +/- 4h
24 hour availability
Sodium, Urine
24hr urine collected in plain or
acid bottle or 10ml random
urine
40-220 mmol/24h
Usually 24hr availability
24h urine collected in plain
bottle or random sample from
child (minimum 10 mL)
Newborns, take sample after 5
days.
5 mL blood green top tube or
urine, protect from light
Full report given
Steroid Endocrinology test
Squamous cell antigen (see
SCC)
Steroid profile
Sterols
Stone
Sugars, Urine
Sugars, Faecal
10mL fresh random urine
5g stool sample (walnutsized),
transported to lab
immediately
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at ICH
(Prof Peter Clayton) 02079052664.
Samples require special or immediate action. Transport to lab
immediately, routine transport unsuitable.
See Calculus
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks.
N.B. Sugar must be in the diet to be detected
Analysed at Gt Ormond St., 02074059200 x5225
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks.
N.B. Sugar must be in the diet to be detected
Analysed at Gt Ormond St., 02074059200 x5225
Full report given
Full report given
Full report given
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 31 of 35
TEST
Sulphite,
urine
sulphocystine)
Sulphonylureas
(or
Surf1 gene analysis
Sweat test
Synacthen test
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
Urine, send to lab on ice
immediately after collection
5mL gold top (preferred) or
random urine
4ml blood purple top tube
Tacrolimus
Follow dynamic function test
protocol
4ml blood purple top tube
Tay Sachs
Testosterone
See hexosaminidase
5ml blood gold top tube
Thallium
2 x 4 mL purple top tube (do
not separate) or 30 mL random
urine
5ml blood gold top tube
Theophylline
REFERENCE RANGE
Refer to report
Negative
Full report given
Dependent on clinical application.
Same day service if received by 10.00 on weekdays and Sunday,
NOT Saturday. Ideal sampling time: pre dose. Not valid during IVinfusion.
7.6-31.4 nmol/L (Male >18Y)
0-1.8 nmol/L (Female)
Refer to report
24 hour availability
5.0-13.0 mg/L (< 1 month)
10.0-20.0 mg/L (>1 month)
Note change of units implemented from 16/7/12
Thiamine, see Vitamin B1
6 Thioguanine nucleotides
(6TGN)
4 mL purple top tube
Thiopentone
4 mL purple top tube
Thiopurine methyl transferase
(TPMT)
5 mL purple top tube
Thymidine
Thyroglobulin
Whole blood (EDTA) or urine
5ml blood gold top tube
High: >150 mU/L
Normal: 68-150 mU/L
Low: 20-67 mU/L
Deficient: <10 mU/L
N.B. change in units from 6/8/10
Refer to report
<0.9ug/L (post thyroidectomy)
Thyroglobulin antibodies
5 mL blood gold top tube
Interpreted in context with thyroglobulin result
Thyroid Hormones, inc. TSH
and FT4
Thyroid peroxidase antibodies
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
For sulphite oxidase/molybdenum cofactor deficiency
Analysed at Gt Ormond St., 02074059200 x5225
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Guildford 01483406715
Molecular urology test
See Chloride
Blood cortisol after injecting ACTH (Synacthen)
TGN therapeutic range 235-450 pmol/8x10e8 RBC
MeMP levels >5700 pmol/8x10e8 RBC reported to
increase risk of hepatotoxicity
Refer to report
Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 2 weeks. Analysed at Trace Element lab, Guildford 01483
259978
Usually 24 hour availability. Ideal sampling time: Pre dose or (Oral
– Rapid release) 2 – 4 h post or (Oral – Slow release) 8h after dose
or (IV infusion) 6h after start. Time to steady state: (Oral) 2 days.
Restricted use only. For non-compliance or failure to respond to
azathioprine. Requests are individually reviewed by senior staff.
Analysed at Viapath GSTS (purine lab) 02071888008
For assessment of non responsive to azathioprine
Request individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at GSTS
020 7188 8689
Request individually reviewed by senior staff. Results available
within 1 week. Analysed at Birmingham City Hospital.
0121 5075353
Results unreliable unless at least 120 days post transfusion
Referred out test. Analysed at Viapath GSTS
For monitoring diagnosed thyroid carcinoma only
Analysed in house from November 2012
Analysed simultaneously with thyroglobulin.
See individual tests
5 mL blood gold top tube
0-34 IU/mL
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 32 of 35
TEST
Thyroid receptor Ab (TrAb)
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5 mL blood gold top tube
REFERENCE RANGE
Index <20 is normal
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Thyroxine (Free-T4)
Tiagibine
5 mL blood gold top tube
5 mL blood gold top tube
5 mL blood red top tube
0.27-4.20 mIU/L
12.0-22.0 pmol/L
Topimirate
5 mL blood red top tube
Total CO2
Toxicology screen
5 mL random urine
Transferrin, Blood
Transferrin, CSF
Transferrin)
Transaminase
TRH test
(Asialo-
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Requests individually reviewed. Analysed at Royal Victoria
Newcastle. 01912824559
24 hour availability
24 hour availability
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
See Bicarbonate
Rarely sent for analysis. Users requiring addictive drug screen,
please request specifically
Not available. Request Iron + IBC instead.
See Asialo-transferrin, nasal fluid, See Neuroimmunology tests.
See Alanine aminotransferase
TSH after injecting TRH. This test is rarely required now that
sensitive TSH assays are available
24 hour availability
5 mL blood gold top tube
Triglyceride (fasting)
5ml blood gold top tube
<2.3 mmol/L
Tri-iodothyronine (Free-T3)
Trimethylamine (TMA)
5ml blood gold top tube
Random urine, acidify on
receipt in the lab
24 hour availability
Request individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at Sheffield
Children’s Hospital 0114 271 7445
Troponin T
5mL blood gold top tube
4.0-6.8 pmol/L
Urine TMA 2.5-10.9 umol/mmol creatinine
Urine TMA-n-oxide: 17.0-147.0 umol/mmol
Ratio TMA/oxide: 0.05-0.21
<14 ng/L
Trypsin, immunoreactive
Guthrie card (blood spot)
<60 ug/L whole blood
Tryptase
5 mL blood gold or purple top
tube
2-14 ug/L
5 mL blood gold top
<1.0 U/L negative
1.0-1.5 U/L borderline
>1.5 U/L positive
266-474 umol/L (Male)
175-363 umol/L (Female)
1.2-5.9 mmol/24h
Request individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at
Addenbrookes Hospital, 01223257130.
For the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis up to 6 weeks of age
Samples must be taken <1h, 3 and 24h after the anaphylactic event.
Give time post event on the form.
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks.
Analysed at Sheffield Northern 01142715552
To predict neonatal thyrotoxicosis in pregnancy.
Requests individually reviewed by senior staff. Analysed at RVI,
Newcastle 0191 282 4559
24 hour availability
TSH receptor
(TRAb)
antibodies
Urate (uric acid), Blood
5ml blood gold top tube
Urate (uric acid), Urine
24 h urine collected in plain
bottle
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
24 hour availability.
Note: change of units to ng/L December 1st 2014
24 hour availability
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 33 of 35
TEST
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
5ml blood gold top tube
Urea, Blood
Urea, Urine
REFERENCE RANGE
1.4-4.3 mmol/L (0-1 Year)
1.7-8.3 mmol/L (>1 Year)
170-580 mmol/24h
Urobilinogen
Valproate
24 h urine collected in plain
bottle or 10 ml random urine
10ml fresh random urine
5ml blood gold top tube
Vancomycin
5 mL blood gold top tube
Very long chain fatty acids,
see fatty acids
4ml blood green top tube
Fasting if age >18/12
Vigabatrin
5 mL blood red top tube
Vitamin A
1.05-2.27 umol/L
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
5ml blood red/gold top tube
Protect sample from light
2 mL purple top.
2 mL purple top
Vitamin
B6
phosphate)
2 mL purple top. Protect from
light
15-73 nmol/L
Vitamin B12
5 mL gold top or green top
tube
191-663 pg/mL
Vitamin D, 25-OH
5ml blood red or gold top tube
Vitamin D 1,25 (calcitriol)
5ml blood gold top tube
(EDTA and heparin also
acceptable)
5ml blood red/gold top tube
<25 nmol/L is 25-OH Vitamin D deficient
25-50 nmol/L is insufficient 25-OH vitamin D
>200 nmol/L consider reducing vitamin D dose
43-143 pmol/L
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
VMA (HMMA)
(pyridoxal
Negative in normal patients.
<100 mg/L
(please note, units changed to mg/L occurred on
13/8/12)
For interpretation contact microbiology and/or refer
to micro guides on intranet
http://microguide.horizonsp.co.uk/viewer/uclh/adult
http://microguide.horizonsp.co.uk/viewer/uclh/paed
See report
24 hour availability
Urea may be used to determine if a wound drain fluid is urine
Daily service if received by noon on Mon to Fri
Usually 24 hour availability. Ideal sampling time: pre dose. Time
to steady state: 3 days
Analysed in Clinical Biochemistry for Microbiology
Sample must be sent urgently for separation within 2 hours of
collection.
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks
Analysed at Gt Ormond St 02074059200 x5225
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
Transport to lab immediately, protected from light. Batched for
analysis on selected days.
Analysed in Neurometabolic Unit
Sample must be frozen as whole blood
Analysed in Neurometabolic Unit
Analysed in Neurometabolic Unit
66-200 nmol/L
174-471 nmol/L
11.5-46.4 umol/L
Not offered, see notes
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
24 hour availability
PD-CB-411 v21
Batched for analysis on selected days
Requires rapid transport to the lab. Requests are individually
reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4 weeks
Analysed at Norfolk and Norwich
Analysed in Neurometabolic unit
Transport to lab for immediate separation and freezing.
Measured indirectly by International Normalised ratio (INR)
No longer available, see Catecholamines, Urine
September 2015
Page 34 of 35
TEST
Water deprivation test
White cell enzymes
SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
Follow dynamic function test
protocol
Unseparated 5 mL light green
tube
REFERENCE RANGE
Full interpretative report given
Zinc
5mL TEKLAB (white top)
tube
(LiHep accepted for paediatric
samples only)
11-18 umol/L
Zinc (urine)
Urine, 24h. Collect into acid
washed container
5 mL blood red top tube
1.5-11.0 umol/24h
Zonisamide
UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust / Clinical Biochemistry tests
AVAILABILITY / NOTES
Osmolality during water deprivation and after DDAVP (hazardous)
Requests are individually reviewed, results are available in 2 to 4
weeks.
Analysed at Gt Ormond St. 02077626751
Requests individually reviewed. Analysed at Royal Free Hospital.
Analysed at the Pharmacology and Therapeutic unit, Chalfont
01494 601 423
PD-CB-411 v21
September 2015
Page 35 of 35