Neopterin
Use
Increased levels of neopterin are observed in cases of impaired renal function and viral infections, notably among transplant patients. It serves as an indicator for conditions associated with impaired cellular immunity, which is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and SLE. Neopterin levels can also act as prognostic predictors for certain cancers, and monitoring these levels is particularly valuable in HIV-positive patients, as it helps assess the activation of the cellular immunity system.
Special Instructions
The test requires blood to be drawn into a plain red-top tube, with serum gel tubes being an acceptable alternative. Post collection, it is crucial to spin down and send 0.8 mL of serum in a screw-capped, light-protected vial, shipped frozen.
Limitations
Neopterin measurement may not be suitable for all patients. Mild hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus are acceptable, but gross occurrences of these conditions will lead to sample rejection, as will specimens without light protection. Neopterin is eliminated primarily through urine, and its levels might not solely reflect cellular immunity in patients with impaired elimination pathways.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (EIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 34908-4
- 34908-4
Result Turnaround Time
1-12 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.8 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Red or SST tube
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a plain red-top tube(s), serum gel tube(s) is acceptable. Spin down and send 0.8 mL serum light protected in a screw-capped vial (Supply T915 amber vial), shipped frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Not light protected specimens; gross hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 180 days |