Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD)

Also known as: CD18; LAD

All requests for Leukocyte adhesion deficiency testing must be discussed with the laboratory's medical staff and/or Senior Clinical Scientist.

The assay detects the presence or absence of CD18/11a and 11b expression on monocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes. Leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) type I is an autosomal recessive deficiency of the beta-2 integrin subunit (CD18). This assay cannot identify LAD-II or LAD-III.

Patients suspected of LAD will present with high blood neutrophilia and infectious areas showing a distinct lack of pus. If newborn, they can reportedly show an inability to shed their umbilical cord tie off.

Expression of CD18 containing adhesion molecules is lower in babies born prematurely, therefore testing in premature babies and neonates is not recommending as interpretation of results is difficult.

Specimen requirements

A minimum of 1ml EDTA blood are required and must be received by the immunology laboratory within 8 hours of venepuncture and before 3pm. Samples must NOT have been refrigerated or centrifuged.

A healthy control sample is required for the assay. If the sample is being transported from another hospital please include a control sample (from an unrelated, healthy adult) as a transport control.

Cost

Price on application

Laboratory turnaround time

3 working days

Laboratory method

FACSCanto

Reference range/units

N/A

Associated tests

N/A

Sample stability

8 hours post venepuncture (do not refrigerate or centrifuge)

Shipping and storage

• Samples must be received by the immunology laboratory within 8 hours of venepuncture and before 3pm.
• Samples must NOT have been refrigerated or centrifuged.
• A healthy control sample is required for the assay. If the sample is being transported from another hospital please include a control sample (from an unrelated, healthy adult) as a transport control.
• Local venepuncture may be arranged (please contact a senior member of staff).

Further information and contact details

For further information, email immunology.office@nhs.net