CU (Chronic Urticaria) Index Panel
Use
The CU Index test provides critical insight into the immune response associated with chronic urticaria. It is a second-generation functional Anti-FceR test that measures basophil reactive factors in the serum. A CU Index greater than or equal to 10 implies the presence of autoimmune factors contributing to the disease pathology, providing valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with chronic urticaria.
Special Instructions
Patients should discontinue calcineurin inhibitors 72 hours prior to blood draw and prednisone two weeks prior. The test is performed on serum, ideally from a red-top tube, with refrigeration required for sample transportation. Hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus do not affect the serum's acceptability, but the sample should be separated from cells within two hours of draw.
Limitations
The CU Index test is intended only to measure basophil reactive factors in the serum and may not capture all aspects of autoimmune activity associated with chronic urticaria. It was developed by Viracor Eurofins, with performance characteristics determined but not cleared or approved by the FDA. Results should be interpreted within the context of clinical presentation and other diagnostic information, and a CU Index of less than 10 does not rule out autoimmune diseases.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Multiplex Protein Panel)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 69040-4
- 18332-7
- 56635-6
- 3016-3
- 63369-3
Result Turnaround Time
2-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Red or SST
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in Red-top tube (SST is acceptable). Separate from cells within 2 hours of draw. Send 3 mL of serum refrigerate in a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Patients taking calcineurin inhibitors should stop medication 72 hours prior to draw. Patients taking prednisone should be off their medication for 2 weeks prior to draw.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate the serum for transportation.
Causes for Rejection
NA
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 7 days |