Cryoglobulin qualitative; Reflex quantitation of cryogobulin, as percentage and Immunofixation of cryoprecipitate
Cryoglobulins may be present in macroglobulinemia of Waldenström, myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lupus, chronic active hepatitis, and other viral infections.
Patient must be fasting
3.0 mL Serum prewarmed, from a Red Top Tube in a Plastic Vial
Ambient
Specimen must be drawn in a prewarmed tube and kept at 37°C while clotting.
After specimen is collected, maintain 37°C by wrapping a heel warmer around tube or placing tube in a heat block until clotted.
After clot formation, separate serum from cells immediately.
Transfer serum into a clean transport tube and label transport tube "Prewarmed."
2.0 mL Serum, prewarmed
None detected (positives are reported as percentages)
Cryoglobulins may be present in macroglobulinemia of Waldenström, myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lupus, chronic active hepatitis, and other viral infections.
These are proteins that precipitate from blood at low temperatures. A precipitate from serum that forms overnight at 4°C and dissolves at 37°C is called a cryoglobulin.
Cryoglobulins may be divided into three classes. Type I are monoclonal immunoglobulins and are usually associated with lymphoproliferative disorders. Type II are mixtures of a monoclonal IgM and polyclonal IgG, and are associated with macroglobulinemia and chronic active hepatitis. Type III are mixtures of polyclonal IgM and polyclonal IgG. These are found in a wide variety of disorders.
A high percentage of patients with cryoglobulinemia have clinical symptoms, and of these the most common are vascular (ie, purpura and digital necrosis). Raynaud phenomenon is also common.
Patients with SLE who are rheumatoid factor-negative but cryoglobulin-positive are more likely to develop renal disease than those who are rheumatoid factor-positive and cryoglobulin-negative.
4 to 8 days
82595 If reflex testing is performed, concomitant CPT codes/charges will apply.