Blood Science Test Repertoire

1 (2) | 2 (1) | 5 (1) | A (35) | B (19) | C (54) | D (7) | E (10) | F (17) | G (18) | H (17) | I (18) | J (2) | L (13) | M (19) | N (6) | O (8) | P (33) | Q (1) | R (7) | S (14) | T (20) | U (6) | V (13) | W (1) | Z (1)
Glycine
Last update: Tue, 12/29/2015 - 15:02
Body:
Glycine
CSFGLY
CSF collected in a sterile 20ml universal and a paired plasma sample (orange bottle). Store refrigerated.

This test is referred to another centre: Department of Clinical Chemistry
Level 4
Addenbrookes Hospital NHS Trust [TPP]
Hills Road
Cambridge CB2 2QQ
Tel: 01223 217157
Fax: 01223 216520

Expected turnaround time: 6 weeks
Used in the investigation of glycine encelopathy
Contact referral laboratory
Contact referral laboratory
N/A
N/A
Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyl Transferase
Last update: Tue, 12/29/2015 - 15:29
Body:
Galactose-1-Phosphate Uridyl Transferase
GAL-1-PUT
Blood spot (Guthrie card)

This test is referred to another centre: Department of Clinical Chemistry
Level 4
Addenbrookes Hospital NHS Trust [TPP]
Hills Road
Cambridge CB2 2QQ
Tel: 01223 217157
Fax: 01223 216520

Expected turnaround time: 6 weeks
Used in the investigation of abnormal liver function in neonates
Contact referral laboratory
Contact referral laboratory
N/A
N/A
Gut Hormone Profile
Last update: Tue, 12/29/2015 - 16:23
Body:

 

Gut Hormone Profile / Chromogranin A/B
Chromogranin A, Chromogranin B, VIP, PP, PG, SRIF, NT, glucagon, gastrin, GHP, CGAB
1 x 7.5ml EDTA (Red Top) Tube + 1 x 4.7ml Gel (Brown Top) Tube. The red EDTA tube should be transported to the laboratory on ice. Upon arrival in the laboratory the EDTA sample is centrifuged at 4200 rpm for 12 min at +4oC within 15 minutes of venepuncture and the plasma stored frozen prior to referral. If sample is haemolysed, instruct phlebotomy to re-bleed patient. If sample is not haemolysed, instruct phlebotomy that patient may leave department. Urea and calcium should be requested and processed on the serum sample.

Test referred to another centre for analysis: The SAS Laboratories
Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Oncology
Ground Floor
Charing Cross Hospital
Fulham Place Road
London W6 8RF
Tel: 020 8383 3949

Expected turnaround time: 6 weeks
Used in the investigation of disorders of gut hormone secretion. Chromogranin A and B can be requested seperately for the investigation of neuroendocrine tumours.
Blood must be collected with the patient at rest after a complete overnight fast. H2 anatgonists should be stopped for 72 hrs and omeprazole should be stopped for two weeks before blood is taken. Contact referral lab for more information
Contact referral laboratory
N/A
N/A
Glucosaminoglycans
Last update: Fri, 04/24/2020 - 08:56
Body:
Glucosaminoglycans
GAGU,
Urine (universal). Store refrigerated prior to referral

This test is referred to another centre: Department of Clinical Chemistry
Level 4
Addenbrookes Hospital NHS Trust [TPP]
Hills Road
Cambridge CB2 2QQ
Tel: 01223 217157
Fax: 01223 216520

Expected turnaround time: 6 weeks
Used in the investigation of mucopolysacchridosis disorders. Requests for Mucopolysaccharides should be processed for urine glucosaminoglycans
Contact referral laboratory
Contact referral laboratory
N/A
N/A
Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibodies
Last update: Mon, 09/14/2020 - 09:18
Body:

Assay

Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies

Key Words

Glomerular basement membrane antibodies, GBM

 Specimen Collection

Serum (brown)

If this assay is needed URGENTLY please call the laboratory on x8454 to discuss

Turnaround time

7 days

Test indications

Antibodies against type IV collagen are seen in Goodpasture’s syndrome, a pulmonary-renal form of vasculitis associated with rapidly progressing renal failure and haemoptysis. About 10% of patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis may also have GBM antibodies.

Methodology

Enzyme immunoassay

Interferences

No known methodological interferences

Reference Range

Negative  <7 U/mL

Equivocal 7-10 U/mL

Positive    >10 U/mL

Analytical error

Contact laboratory (x8454)

Reference change value

N/A

Growth Hormone
Last update: Tue, 06/15/2021 - 10:59
Body:

 

Growth Hormone
GH
Serum (brown top) tube)
24hrs
Used in the investigation of hypo- and hyperpituitarism
No known interferences
Please contact laboratory for further information
2.1%
N/A
Glycated Haemoglobin
Last update: Tue, 06/15/2021 - 11:01
Body:

 

 

Assay

Glycated Haemoglobin

Key Words

HbA1c

Specimen Collection

Blood (red EDTA)

Turnaround time

72hrs

Test indications

HbA1c is a measurement of the glycation of haemoglobin which occurs proportionally to both the average glucose concentration and the life span of the red blood cells in the circulation. The measurement of HbA1c has therefore been accepted as a monitoring tool for assessing blood glucose levels over the previous 120 days and is a vital tool in the clinical management for diabetes

Interferences

HbA1c result are not reported in the presence of a number of haemoglobin variants. Results can be  reported on patients with heterozygous HbS, HbC, HbD and HbE genotypes, however results on patients with haemoglobin variants are for monitoring only, and should not be used for diagnosis.  

 

If a haemoglobin variant is detected during testing, further investigations can be performed. An EDTA sample will need to be sent to the Haematology department for a Haemoglobinopathy screen (RTS).

 

HbA1c is dependent on both the mean blood glucose concentration and turnover of red blood cells. An increased RBC turnover affects HbA1c, and should be considered when interpreting results.

 

**Please note, this information pertains to the analysis performed by the laboratory only**

Reference Range

Non-diabetics: 20-42mmol/mol

HbA1c of >48mmol/mol is used as a cut-off for the diagnosis of Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Analytical error

1.6%

Reference change value

5.5%

Minimum retesting interval

Requests made within 7 days of a previous result on a patient are intervened

 

 

 

G6PD Assay
Last update: Thu, 08/18/2022 - 13:33
Body:

Assay

G6PD Assay

Key Words

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, G6PD

Specimen Collection

EDTA

Referral

This test is referred to another centre for analysis:

The Red cell centre

Kings college Hospital trust

Kings College Hospital

Denmark Hill

London

 

SE5 9RS

Turnaround time

14 days from receipt at reference laboratory

Test indications

Abnormal/Equivocal G6PD screen or females with normal G6PD screen results; as a mild deficiency in females may not be detected by screening methods  (Automatically actioned by the Haematology department)

Interferences

Contact referral laboratory for information

Reference Range

Contact referral laboratory for information

Minimum retesting interval

N/A
Gaucher’s Disease
Last update: Wed, 01/25/2023 - 08:46
Body:

Assay

Gaucher’s Disease

Key Words

Leucocyte β-glucocerebrosidase Activity, Plasma Chitriosidase Activity, Gaucher's disease

Specimen Collection

2 x 6ml-10ml EDTA (large EDTA)

Referral

This test is referred to another centre for analysis: 

Willink Biochemical Genetics Laboratory

6th Floor, Pod 1

Saintt Mary's Hospital

 

Oxford Road

Manchester

M13 9WL

turnaround time

14 days from receipt at reference laboratory for enzyme investigations

28 days from receipt at reference laboratory for genetic investigations

Test indications

Splenomegaly, thrombocytopaenia and raised ferritin, to exclude Gaucher’s Disease

Interferences

Contact referral laboratory for information

Reference Range

Contact referral laboratory for information

Minimum retesting interval

N/A
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Screen
Last update: Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:44
Body:

Assay

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Screen

Key Words

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, G6PD, haemolysis, haemolytic anaemia

Specimen Collection

3.4ml EDTA (Red lid). 1.3ml EDTA for paediatric (Red lid), do not overfill. Carried out on FBC specimen. G6PD screens may be added on to samples that are up to 48 hours old.

Turnaround time

Next working day

Test indications

Haemolytic anaemia, and to assess potential primaquine sensitivity after positive malaria screen.

 

 

Please refer to the latest guidelines for Diagnosis of G6PD deficiency at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjh.16366

Interferences

‘A false normal result can occur in G6PD-deficient individuals with a high reticulocyte count due to an existing acute haemolytic episode.’

‘A false abnormal result can occur in G6PD-normal individuals with severe anaemia.

This G6PD screen cannot reliably detect G6PD deficiency in heterozygous women, therefore samples from females, with normal screening results, will be sent to the reference lab for G6PD assay to confirm

Reference Range

N/A

Minimum retesting interval

N/A
Glandular Fever Screen
Last update: Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:46
Body:

Assay

Glandular Fever Screen

Key Words

Paul Bunnell, Monospot, Glandular Fever, GF, Epstein Barr Virus, EBV, Heterophile antibody

Specimen Collection

3.4ml EDTA (Red lid). 1.3ml EDTA for paediatric (Red lid), do not overfill. Carried out on the Full Blood Count specimen. Paul Bunnell screens may be added on to samples that are up to 24 hours old, as long as they were stored at 2-8°C.

Turnaround time

Next working day

Test indications

Lymphadenopathy, atypical lymphocytosis.

Interferences

A negative Paul Bunnell screen does not conclusively rule out infectious mononucleosis.

Reference Range

N/A

Minimum retesting interval

N/A
gamma-glutamyltransferase(GGT)
Last update: Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:21
Body:

 

gamma-glutamyltransferase
GGT
Serum (brown), Plasma (orange)
8hrs
gamma-glutamyltransferase is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatobiliary diseases
Elevated GGT activities are found in the serum of patients requiring long-term medication with phenobarbital and phenytoin.
No known methodological interferences
Male: <60 U/L Female: <40 U/L
1.9%
25.2%
Glucose
Last update: Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:29
Body:

 

Glucose
RGLU, FGLU, glucose tolerance test, OGTT, GTT
Plasma (yellow). For fluids and CSF, please use yellow Fl-EDTA bottles.
8hrs

Used in the investigation and monitoring of disorders of glucose metabolism.

For the diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus, the use of an oral glucose tolerance test is recommended.

No known methodological interferences.

This test may require the patient to be in a fasting state. For a fasting state, the patient should refrain from any foods or liquids other than water for 8hrs.

**Please note, this information pertains to the analysis performed by the laboratory only**
3.9-5.4 mmol/L (please note this reference range applies to fasting samples only)
1.6%
13.3%
Gentamicin
Last update: Mon, 11/11/2024 - 16:30
Body:
Gentamicin
Gent
Serum (Brown)
8hrs
There is marked intra-individual variation in the rate of absorption from an intramuscular dose, volume of distribution and plasma half life, which means that the relationship between dose and concentration is poor. Aminoglycosides show significant toxicity (nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity) at levels just above the plasma concentration required for bactericidal activity. Hence, therapeutic drug monitoring is required for achieving effective therapy and avoiding toxicity. Gentamicin is normally given as a once daily administration (ODA), for this purpose a mid-dose (6-14hrs) sample is taken for serum gentamicin levels.
Sisomicin (>50% cross reactivity) and netilmicin (1.15%) causes significant interference. Samples containing anti-beta-galactosidase antibodies can result in artificially high gentamicin results that do not fit the clinical profile. In very rare cases, human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA) may cause unreliable results.

Gentamicin reference interval (pre-dose): <1.0 mg/L            

Gentamicin reference interval (post-dose): 3.0 - 5.0 mg/L

Note: Post-dose levels should only be used in patients on multiple daily dosing of gentamicin. Samples should be taken 60 - 90   minutes after dose administered.

For treatment advice, contact Consultant Microbiologist.
5.4%
N/A
Ganglioside Antibodies
Last update: Wed, 10/22/2025 - 13:21
Body:

Assay

Ganglioside antibodies

Key Words

Ganglioside GM1 antibodies (GM1), Ganglioside GQ1B antibodies (GQ1B)

Specimen Collection

Serum (brown)

Turnaround time

14 days                                                                                                                                                                   

 This test is referred to another centre:                                                                                                                            

Neuroimmunology & CSF laboratory

(Box 76) 9th Floor

UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology

Queen Square 

London 

WC1N 3BG 

Telephone : 020 3448 3812 

 

Test indications

These antibodies are associated with the following neurological diseases: 

  • IgM anti-GM1 antibodies are associated with acquired motor neuropathies and are found in over 50% of cases.
  • IgG anti-GM1 antibodies -although these may be found in a small proportion (5 – 15%) of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, their measurement adds little to diagnosis or management.
  • IgG anti-GQ1b antibodies are found in over 90% of patients with Miller-Fisher syndrome.
  • IgM anti-GQ1b antibodies are associated with a minority of patients with of chronic ataxic sensory neuropathy.

Methodology

Contact referral centre

Interferences

Contact referral centre

Reference Range

N/A

Analytical error

Contact referral centre

Reference change value

N/A

Gastric Parietal Cell Antibodies
Last update: Wed, 10/22/2025 - 13:24
Body:

Assay

Gastric parietal cell antibodies (GPC)

Key Words

Pernicious Anaemia Associated abs , GPC

 Specimen Collection

Serum (brown)

Turnaround time

7 days

Test indications

These antibodies have a strong association with pernicious anaemia and autoimmune gastritis. Low titres are commonly found in normal elderly females.  Positive results will automatically be referred for Intrinsic factor antibodies which are more specific, but less sensitive, for pernicious anaemia. GPC antibodies can also be found in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease and Sjogren's syndrome.

Methodology

Indirect immunofluorescence

Interferences

No known methodological interferences

Reference Range

N/A

Analytical error

N/A

Reference change value

N/A

Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Antibodies
Last update: Wed, 10/22/2025 - 13:26
Body:

Assay

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies

Key Words

Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, GAD

 Specimen Collection

Serum (brown)

Turnaround time

28 days

Test indications

GAD antibodies are found in 60% of patients with Stiff man syndrome, usually with high titre. These antibodies are also found in up to 80% of patients with recent onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.  However these antibodies reduce with disease duration.  In the assessment of first degree relatives for autoimmune diabetes, positive results in more than one of the marker antibodies (GAD, Islet cell, IA-2 or insulin) can be associated with the onset of autoimmune diabetes. GAD antibodies are not available as a routine test in established diabetes.

Methodology

ELISA

Interferences

No known methodological interferences

Reference Range

Negative  <10 IU/mL

Positive    ≥10 U/mL

Analytical error

 Contact laboratory (x8454)

Reference change value

N/A

Glycine Receptor antibodies
Last update: Wed, 10/22/2025 - 13:27
Body:

 

Assay

Glycine Receptor antibodies

Key Words

Glycine receptor abs, GLYA

Specimen Collection

Serum (Brown) (CSF is not required but can be analysed if required)

Turnaround time

14 days

 

This test is referred to another centre:

Churchill Hospital

Old Road

Headington

Oxford

OX3 7LE

0300 304 7777

 

Test indications

 

These antibodies are particularly associated with PERM (Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus) and stiff person syndrome. Glycine receptor antibodies were associated with neoplasms in about 10% of a series of 52 patients (mainly thymoma and lymphoma).

Carvajal-Gonzalez et al. Brain, Volume 137, Issue 8, August 2014, Pages 2178–2192, https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awu142

 

Methodology

Cell based assay

Interferences

Contact referral laboratory

Reference Range

Contact referral laboratory

Analytical error

Contact referral laboratory

Reference change value

 N/A