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Donath Landsteiner (Cold Hemolysin)

Cold Hemolysin, D-L antibody, Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria, PCH

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6010, Beaker: XDL, ARUP: 13039

Department

Send Outs

Instructions

• Pre-heat the collection tube to 37°C prior to specimen collection.
• If the collection facility is unable to accommodate the collection, preparation, and transport requirements listed below, please refer the patient to a Patient Service Center at the Beaumont Grosse Pointe, Farmington Hills, Royal Oak, or Troy hospital campus.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One plain Red-top tube.

• The specimen must clot at 37°C for testing to be performed. Immediately after collection, the specimen should be maintained at 37°C with a warm pack, an infant heel warmer, a heating block, or warm water.
• Do not use Serum Separator Tubes.  

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain the specimen at 37°C until clotted. Once completely clotted, centrifuge the specimen and immediately transfer serum to a plastic transport tube. Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 3.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 2.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Frozen specimens.
• Serum Separator (SST) tubes.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

Inpatient Specimen Preparation

Maintain the specimen at 37°C.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain the specimen at 37°C until clotted. Once completely clotted, centrifuge the specimen and immediately transfer serum to a plastic transport tube. Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Transport: 3.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 2.0 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

The specimen must be maintained at 37°C until completely clotted, then centrifuged.

Serum After Separation From Cells
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT.

Performed

Monday – Friday.
Results available in 2-4 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Hemolysis.

Interpretation

Donath-Landsteiner antibodies are present in the serum of patients with Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria (PCH). This antibody is sometimes present in patients with late syphilis, acute viral infections, or in older people as an idiopathic chronic disease.

Clinical Utility

This assay aids in the diagnosis of Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria (PCH).

CPT Codes

86940, 86941.

Contacts

Last Updated

10/2/2023