ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Cryoglobulin, Qualitative : 0050185

Mnemonic: CRYGB

Methodology: Qualitative Cold Precipitation
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 3-5 days
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: Fasting specimen preferred.

Collect: Plain red tube.

Specimen Preparation: 1) Draw approximately 7 mL of blood into a pre-warmed (37°C) plain red tube. Alternatively: draw into a pre-warmed (37°C) syringe and immediately transfer blood to a pre-warmed (37°C) plain red tube. 2) Maintain collected blood at 37°C until clotting is complete. 3) Separate serum from cells within 1 hour of collection. Transfer 3 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 1 mL) See Remarks.

Storage/Transport Temperature: Room temperature.

Remarks: Proper collection and transport of specimen is critical to the outcome of the test. Submitting quantities less than 3 mL may affect the sensitivity of the test.

Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma. Refrigerated or frozen specimens. Serum separator tubes (SST or clot-activating tubes). Grossly hemolyzed or lipemic specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 1 week; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
Negative at 72 hours.
Note: The specimen is examined daily for the presence or absence of cryoglobulins over a period of three days. Cryoglobulins are usually associated with certain plasma cell and lymphoproliferative disorders, but have also been demonstrated in collagen vascular diseases, hepatitis C infection and infections such as infectious mononucleosis and cytomegalovirus disease. They may also be found in low levels in apparently healthy individuals.
CPT Code(s): 82595