Donath-Landsteiner Test for PCH
| Indications | This test may be ordered in a patient suspected of having paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (PCH). This entity is more common in children, and may be characterized by episodes of hemolysis upon exposure to cold temperatures. *Special collection procedures are required. |
| Method | Standard test tube methodology, Hemagglutination |
| Test Information | As PCH is classically due to an IgG antibody, preliminary tests such as a direct antiglobulin test using polyspecific Coombs reagent may be performed prior to proceeding with the Donath-Landsteiner test; this is to help differentiate PCH from cold agglutinin syndrome (CAS), when an IgM antibody is causing hemolysis. *Please see sample information below for specific collection instructions. |
| Sample Requirements | Plain red top (clotted) tube. Serum separator gel tube is not acceptable. |
| Requested Volume | 10 ml clotted sample *Please see Sample information below |
| Minimum Volume or Pediatric volume | 10 ml clotted sample |
| Sample Information | Please call Immunohematology Laboratory prior to drawing sample
Sample drawn and maintained at 37°C. Once sample is clotted, separate serum from clot immediately and transfer plastic tube labeled with patient’s name and send to the lab. |
| Shipping Information | Ship serum at ambient temperature
Send samples to: |
| Requisition Form | RFT-Request for Testing Transfusion Services |
| Transaction Code | 3139-00 |
| CPT Codes | 86940 and 86941 |
| Test Schedule | Monday through Sunday |
| Turn around Time (analytic time) | 24 hours if weekday, 72 hours if weekend. This test is not performed on a STAT basis. |
| Report/ Results | Fax number required to receive report |