Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Requested for the investigation of metabolic causes of severe, early-onset, progressive encephalopathies. Mild variants may present in older children or adults.
Specimen container paediatric:
CSF, placed on dry ice at the bedside
Specimen container adult:
CSF, placed on dry ice at the bedside
Minimum volume paediatric:
2 X 0.5 mL plain tubes 1 X 1 mL special tube
Minimum volume adult:
2 X 0.5 mL plain tubes 1 X 1 mL special tube
Special requirements:
The metabolic laboratory must be informed in advance. They will provide tubes, dry ice and the protocol from the Institute of Neurology which includes a request form.
Transport requirements:
Frozen