Indications This test may be ordered in a patient suspected of having paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH). This entity is more common in children, and may be characterized by episodes of hemolysis upon exposure to cold temperatures.
*Special collection procedures are required.
Method Standard test tube methodology, Hemagglutination
Test Information As PCH is classically due to an IgG antibody, preliminary tests such as a direct antiglobulin test using polyspecific Coombs reagent may be performed prior to proceeding with the Donath-Landsteiner test; this is to help differentiate PCH from cold agglutinin syndrome (CAS), when an IgM antibody is causing  hemolysis.
*Please see sample information below for specific collection instructions.
Sample Requirements Plain red top (clotted) tube. Serum separator gel tube is not acceptable.
Requested Volume 10 ml clotted sample
*Please see Sample information below
Minimum Volume or Pediatric volume 10 ml clotted sample
Sample Information Please call Immunohematology Laboratory prior to drawing sample

Sample drawn and maintained at 37°C. Once sample is clotted, separate serum from clot immediately and transfer plastic tube labeled with patient’s name and send to the lab.

Shipping Information Ship serum at ambient temperature

Send samples to:
Bloodworks Northwest
Immunohematology Reference Laboratory
921 Terry Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104

Requisition Form Request for Testing-Immunohematology Reference Laboratory 
Transaction Code 3139-00
CPT Codes 86940 and 86941
Test Schedule Monday through Sunday
Turn around Time (analytic time) 24 hours if weekday, 72 hours if weekend.  This test is not performed on a STAT basis.
Report/ Results Fax number required to receive report

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