Cryoglobulinemia laboratory findings

Cryoglobulinemia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Cryoglobulinemia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Cryoglobulinemia laboratory findings On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cryoglobulinemia laboratory findings All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Cryoglobulinemia laboratory findings
CDC on Cryoglobulinemia laboratory findings
Cryoglobulinemia laboratory findings in the news
Blogs on Cryoglobulinemia laboratory findings
Directions to Hospitals Treating Cryoglobulinemia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Cryoglobulinemia laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2] Feham Tariq, MD [3]

Laboratory Findings

Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies

Tests for cryoglobulinemia include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Complement assay -- Numbers will be low (C4 levels)
  • Variable C3 levels

• Increased ESR

• Cryoglobulin test -- may show presence of cryoglobulins
• Liver function tests -- may be high
• Rheumatoid factor -- positive in types II and III
• Urinalysis -- may show blood in the urine if the kidneys are affected

• At least 20cc of blood should be drawn in the fasting state (lipids interfere) and sent to the lab in warm water.

  • The blood is spun at body temperature then the serum is cooled to see if a precipitate develops.

    • “Cryocrits” of up to 50% have been noted.

  • The cryoprecipitates is then analyzed for type of immune complex by immunofixation.
  • If anti-HCV and HCV RNA are negative but hepatits C is still suspected, the cryoprecipitate can be assayed directly for HCV RNA and anti-HCV antibody.
  • Spurious leukocytosis and thrombocytosis from the cryoglobulin particles have been noted if the sample is tested a lower temperature.
  • White blood cell count (WBC) of >40K normalize with warming of the blood.

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources