Neutrophil function assay

Also known as: DHR; NBT

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

Neutrophil function tests are useful in the diagnostic work up of patients with suspected chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).

Indications

Patients present with severe recurrent bacterial and fungal infections affecting the skin, lymph nodes, lungs, liver and gastrointestinal tract. Presentation is usually in the first years of life but individual cases of CGD diagnosed in adults have been reported.

Another common presenting feature is deep-seated abscesses which are usually found in the skin or liver, though can affect any organ.

Patients with CGD may also present with gastrointestinal symptoms similar to Crohn's disease.

Specimen requirements

1 mL EDTA blood must be received in the Immunology Laboratory within 6 hours of venepuncture and before 3pm. Samples must NOT have been refrigerated or centrifuged.

A healthy control sample is required for each 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

Normal/Abnormal

Associated tests

Not applicable

Sample stability

8 hours post venepuncture (do not refrigerate or centrifuge)

Shipping and storage

• Samples must be received in the Immunology Laboratory within 6 hours of venepuncture and before 3pm.
• Samples must NOT have been refrigerated or centrifuged. A healthy control sample is required for each 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