Changes to cryoglobulin collection service

October 15, 2024

Clinical Biochemistry at Black Country Pathology Services have an update regarding the current cryoglobulin sample collection service arrangements. Please note that all sample collections for cryoglobulins MUST be pre-arranged with the laboratory. Samples must be collected into pre-warmed tubes provided by the laboratory, kept at 37°C at all times, and transported to the laboratory immediately by a member of the laboratory staff

• Sandwell: The service will continue as currently. Please contact the laboratory to organise sample collection on ext. 3242. Sample collections are carried out Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm.
• City: The current service will cease on Friday 18 October (affecting both outpatient and inpatient collections). Note: There will be no service for collecting cryoglobulins from outpatients at City site going forward (due to there being no laboratory sited there) and all outpatient cryoglobulin collections will need to be arranged with, and take place at, the Sandwell site. For collection up to and including Friday 18 October, please contact the City laboratory to organise sample collection on ext. Sample collections are carried out Monday – Friday, 9am – 1pm.
• MMUH – There will temporarily be no cryoglobulin collection service for inpatients at MMUH until the equipment is transferred over from City site. Full details of the new service at MMUH will be communicated prior to completion of the City by Sunday 10 November.

If you have any clinical concerns regarding the above arrangements, please contact rwh-tr.bcps.proteinslab@nhs.net.

Ordering acid-containers for 24-hour urine collections for 5HIAA

To order an acid-container for collection of a 24-hour urine for 5HIAA, please contact the Sandwell Pathology reception on ext. 3242.

Note: acid-containers must not be stored in non-laboratory areas without first obtaining appropriate health and safety assessment and approval from the Trust.