Neurotransmitters and Pterins - CSF

Special neurotransmitter microtubes sets supplied by Westmead Childrens Hospital are available for collection from the RMH Biochemistry laboratory. Collect 0.5 mL sequentially into each microtube 1-5. Protect from light and transfer to the laboratory on ice immediately after collection.

Collect these special tubes in addition to regular sterile tubes if other CSF tests (eg cell count) are requested.

Panel includes homovanillic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, HVA:5-HIAA ratio, biopterin and neopterin. Refer to Neurotransmitter Protocol, and ensure samples are accompanied by completed Neurochemistry request form.

Transport specimens on dry ice. For enquiries, contact the Neurochemistry laboratory on telephone +61 2 9845 3289 or via email SCHN-CHW-NeurochemistryLab@health.nsw.gov.au

See report

Westmead Childrens Hospital, Hawkesbury Road & Hainsworth Street, Westmead NSW 2145. tel 02 9845 3286, Fax 02 9845 3332

CSR notes: Collection sets are available from Biochem. Please remind anyone collecting a set that the samples need to be returned to the lab on ICE immediately post collection. On receipt of  samples on ice - please provide immediately to Biochemistry scientist who will process ASAP. Receipt container MTI x 5  (microtube ice). All five tubes will have the same AUSLAB container ID.

Biochem Lab notes: Samples need to be inspected and frozen ASAP. If the micro tubes are blood stained, centrifuge cold and transfer supernatant with a sterile pipette into new matched special microtube(s) then freeze the set immediately for FPL_WECH. Note, the tubes are small but ensure that they are labelled with specimen labels and that the tube number can still be read. All tubes have the same container ID but the referral lab will need to be able to see the tube numbers since they have different preservatives.