Haematinics

The in-vitro investigations carried out in this laboratory constitute vitamin B12, folate and ferritin assays carried out as part of the diagnosis of anaemia. Intrinsic factor antibody testing (IFAB) for Pernicious Anaemia is carried out on patient samples where the B12 has been shown to be reduced.

Haematinics tests

Here is a list of the haematinics tests carried out by the Haematology department, together with specimen requirements and the estimated time it will take to produce a result.

The results availability times given here represent the time generally required to produce a result following receipt of the sample in the laboratory. Sample transport times are not included.

Where appropriate, if a result is required the same day samples must be received sufficiently early to allow completion of the test. Contact the lab if the test you require is not listed.

These tests are available during the normal working day.

For further advice or information, call 0161 276 4689 or 64803.

(Blood volume and red cell survival in vivo radioisotope studies are carried out by the Department of Nuclear Medicine. Call 0161 276 4820 to arrange in vivo studies.)

Test	Specimen requirements	Urgent results available (from time of receipt in lab)	Non-urgent results available (from time of receipt in lab)	Reports available	Can be performed at Central site	Can be performed at Trafford
Serum and red cell folate	1 x 4.9ml brown top gel tube 1 x 1.2ml brown top gel tube (paeds only)	N/A	3 working days	5 days	Yes	Yes
Serum vitamin B12	1 x 4.9ml brown top gel tube 1 x 1.2ml brown top gel tube (paeds only)	N/A	3 working days	5 days	Yes	Yes
Serum ferritin	1 x 4.9ml brown top gel tube 1 x 1.2ml brown top gel tube (paeds only)	N/A	3 working days	5 days	Yes	Yes
Serum intrinsic factor antibodies (carried out on patients with a low B12 level – less than 120ng/l)	1 x 4.9ml brown top gel tube 1 x 1.2ml brown top gel tube (paeds only)	N/A	5 working days	7 days	Yes	No
Erythropoietin (EPO)	1 x 4.9ml brown top gel tube 1 x 1.2ml brown top gel tube (paeds only)	N/A	5 working days	7 days	Yes	No
Haemochromatosis C282Y, H63D and S65C genotyping (See Molecular Diagnostics Centre for more information)	Green cap vacutainer [1.3ml neonate or 2.9ml paediatric and adult]	–	<3 weeks	<3 weeks	Yes	No
Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP) Paediatric only	1 x 1.2ml red cap EDTA	N/A	3 working days	5 days	Yes	No

Reference ranges – Haematinics

These reference ranges are to help with interpreting results of Haematinics tests carried out by the Haematology department.

 

Serum folate	3.9 – 20 μg/l
Serum vitamin	B12 greater than or equal to 197 ng/l
Serum ferritin	Male 30 – 400 μg/l Female 13 – 150 μg/l
Erythropoeitin (EPO)	3-18 mIU/mL
Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZPP)	Paediatric only 30-80 μmolZPP/mol heam

Factors affecting the results or processing of haematinics and haemolytics tests

Here are some of the factors which could affect the results or processing of haematinics and haemolytics tests. This is not an exhaustive list. There may be other factors affecting the reporting of results which are not listed.

 

Test	Factors affecting result/processing	Outcome
Red Cell Folate	No EDTA sample Sent – only clotted sample	Only serum folate can be measured
Red Cell Folate	EDTA clotted	Would not process
Ferritin, B12, Serum folate	Only EDTA sent	Would not process
Haematinic assays	Haemolysis	Would process and add appropriate comment
Haemolytic assays	EDTA clotted	Would not process
Plasma Viscosity	Sample stored in fridge	Would not process