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HelpTest Code Lymphocyte Subset An. ALPS Screen
Additional Codes
Panel includes: ALPS screen (TCR alpha/beta positive, double negative T cells). CD3, CD4, CD8 are run as part of ALPS testing but results are not reported separately. If CD3, CD4, CD8 results are needed, additional order for Lymphocyte Subsets are required. Panels can be ordered alone, or in combination with other T and B Panels - duplicate tests will not be charged.
Clinical System Name
ALPS Screen
Synonyms
Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome Screen
T and B CD3, Subsets, ALPS Screen
Lymphocyte subset
Lymphoctye subset Analysis
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole Blood
Container(s): Lavender/EDTA; Dk Green/Na Heparin also acceptable from referring labs if CBC & differential results submitted from the same draw
Preferred Vol: 2-3 mL
Minimum Vol: 1 mL; no microtainers
Note: Specimens received after 1430 will be held and testing will be performed the next working day.
| Collected in-house at Seattle Children's | Collected off-site (including SCH Bellevue) | |
|---|---|---|
| M-Th | collect any time | collect any time |
| Friday | collect any time | ok if received at SCH main lab same day, if not do not collect |
| Saturday | ok if collected before 12 noon | do not collect |
| Day before a holiday | ok if collected before 12 noon | must be received at SCH main lab before 12 noon |
| Sunday | ok if collected after 12 noon (to be tested next morning) |
ok if collected after 12 noon (to be tested next morning) |
| Sunday before a holiday Monday | do not collect | do not collect |
| Holiday | ok if collected after 12 noon (to be tested next morning) | ok if collected after 12 noon (to be tested next morning) |
Children's Outpatient Blood Draw areas and Community Services - order "Lymphocyte Subset" and select Paper Requisition under order comments (specific tests will be ordered in Cell Markers Lab) and submit copy of requisition with specimen.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to: clotted specimen, capillary collection, refrigerated
Spin: N
Aliquot: N
Temp: RT - DO NOT REFRIGERATE
Note: Have Core Lab perform a CBC with differential and send a copy of the results and community service requisition (if applicable) with specimen to Cell Markers.
Storage location: Days: Transport specimen, community service requisition (if applicable), and labels to Cell Markers (tube station #181). Eves/Nights: Store specimen, copy of requisition (if applicable), and labels in the Cell Markers RT box in CPA.
Off-site collection: Keep whole blood at room temperature. Referring labs may send CBC w/differential results from the same collection along with the sample.
Stability
| Temperature | Time |
|---|---|
| Room temp | EDTA - 30 hours; Heparin - 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | N |
| Frozen | N |
Availability
| STAT | Performed | TAT |
|---|---|---|
| N | M-F, Sa (0730-1200) | 2-3 days |
Note: limited specimen stability - see Sample Requirements
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Department: Cell Markers
Phone Number: 206-987-2560
CPT Codes
contact Laboratory Client Services at (206) 987-2617
Methodology
Method: Flow Cytometry
Analytical Volume: Dependent on patient's white count and testing requested. If <1mL is collected please ask to recollect in order to obtain minimum volume of 1mL. If unable to recollect and sample volume is <0.350mL (350uL) please cancel and do not send to Cell Markers for testing. If unable to recollect and sample is between 0.350mL and 1mL (350ul-1mL) please send to Cell Markers, but let patient and/or patient family know that there is a strong possibility that we will not be able to perform the testing due to low volume. We will do our best and understand that the volume needed is dependent on the white count and the specific antibodies that are ordered. (The higher the white count the less volume needed. The more antibodies ordered the more volume needed.)
Limitations: Cannot perform testing on capillary specimens.
Reference Range
Reference values accompany patient report.
Description
This assay is used in the evaluation for ALPS (Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome). ALPS is a chronic, lymphoproliferative disorder caused by mutations in the genes that are involved in apoptosis. The impaired apoptosis causes accumulation of lymphocytes. The lymphoproliferative syndrome reflects the expansion of a normal but typically very low level T-subset that expresses Alpha-Beta TCR but neither CD4 nor CD8 (double negative T cells).