Pyrimidine 5' Nucleotidase, Blood
Use
Pyrimidine 5' nucleotidase (P5'N) is essential in regulating cellular nucleotide and nucleoside levels through dephosphorylation processes. It is particularly significant in reticulocytes due to the high demand for nucleotide metabolism during erythroid maturation. The test is useful for evaluating marked basophilic stippling and assessing cases of hemolytic anemia associated with P5'N deficiency. This deficiency is characterized by symptoms including jaundice, splenomegaly, and reticulocytosis, usually manifesting as mild to moderate hemolytic anemia. Additionally, this test helps discern intracellular pyrimidine nucleotide accumulation, which could indicate heavy metal poisoning or other toxic exposure.
Special Instructions
Patients should ensure that the whole blood specimen is collected and sent without aliquoting, retaining it within the original container for analysis. It is important to provide complete documentation using the Benign Hematology Test Request Form if not ordered electronically.
Limitations
This assay is not a definitive diagnostic tool for hereditary P5'N deficiency but serves as a surrogate marker for decreased enzyme activity due to multiple possible etiologies. P5'N activity can be inhibited by metal chelating agents like EDTA and heavy metal ions (lead, mercury, copper, nickel, cadmium), necessitating clinical correlation with cases of toxicity. Recent blood transfusions might also yield false negative results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2902-5
- 2902-5
Result Turnaround Time
10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
3 mL
Container
Yellow top (ACD solution B) or Lavender top (EDTA)
Collection Instructions
Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 20 days |