P Tests

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Paracetamol

  • Test Name: Paracetamol
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Take sample 4 hours post-ingestion for initial toxicity screening
  • Other details: For interpretation in overdose refer to paracetamol treatment normogram
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 1 working day Urgent <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Paraquat

  • Test Name: Paraquat
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry referred test
  • Specimen Type: Random Urine
  • Specimen Container: Yellow + universal container (white top)
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls 20mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Analysis of urine is the first-line test. A qualitative test is performed in house. Negatives are referred to Toxicology Beaumont for confirmation
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time:
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

  • Test Name: Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: EDTA (Separate sample required for PTH analysis in Biochemistry)
  • Specimen Container: Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 24 hours of collection.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: Routine 3 working days
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Parvovirus

  • Test Name: Parvovirus
  • Laboratory: Serology External
  • Specimen Type: Clotted Blood Specimen
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, white (paediatric).
  • Specimen Volume: 4ml clotted blood (1.5ml paediatric).
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Referred to external test site
  • Turnaround Time: 7-10 days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

 

PBG Analysis

  • Test Name: PBG Analysis (Protect from light)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: Urine
  • Specimen Container: Universal Container (white top)
  • Specimen Volume: 20mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Random urine is collected from patient suspected of an acute attack. Sample must be protected from light.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 weeks
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

PCR (Point of Care) for Covid 19, Flu A and Flu B

  • Contact UHWNPT@hse.ie or 8372 for training and access
  • POCT: GeneXpert in ED-Resus. Governed by Near Patient Testing/Point of Care Department.
  • Specimen Type: Nasopharyngeal swab
  • Specimen Container: Universal Transport Medium red topped tubes
  • Specimen Volume: ~300ul
  • Specimen Requirements: Ensure sample is clearly labelled
  • Other details: Correct patient details to be entered on analyser.
  • Frequency of analysis/assay: N/A
  • Turnaround Time: ~45 mins
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Analyse immediately

 

Pericarditis see Fluid

  • Test Name: Pericarditis see Fluids (from sterile sites).
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type:
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  • Specimen Requirements:
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Phenobarbitone

  • Test Name: Phenobarbitone
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Specimen should be taken immediately before next dose to assess adequate therapy.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 2 working days
  • Phone alert limits: >40 ug/ml
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Phenytoin

  • Test Name: Phenytoin
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Specimen should be taken immediately before next dose to assess adequate therapy.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 2 working days
  • Phone alert limits: >25 ug/ml
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Phosphorous - Urine

  • Test Name: Phosphorous - Urine
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Random urine or 24 hour urine
  • Specimen Container: Sarstedt Urine Z bottle (yellow cap)  or 24 hour urine container.
  • Specimen Volume: 3.2 mls or complete collection
  • Specimen Requirements: Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled with patient details. The date and time of start of collection should be clearly stated
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 2 working days
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Phosphorus (PO4) - Blood

  • Test Name: Phosphorus (PO4) - Blood
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green UHW only
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details: Un-centrifuged overnight samples are unsuitable for analysis
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 working day Urgent <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: <0.3 mmol/L
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Plasma Viscosity

  • Test Name: Plasma Viscosity
  • Laboratory: Haematology referral test
  • Specimen Type: EDTA
  • Specimen Container: Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 2.5 ml
  • Specimen Requirements: Do not send Fridays
  • Other details: Requested via the Haematology medical team only. 
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: < 4 weeks
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability: Send to the Haematology Lab ASAP - plasma must be separated from the sample within 4 hours of phlebotomy

 

Platelet Allo-Antibodies

  • Test Name: Platelet Allo-Antibodies
  • Laboratory: Blood Transfusion Referred To National Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Reference
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow x 2
  • Specimen Volume: 5- 10ml
  • Specimen Requirements: Specimen & Request form must comply with labelling requirements. Refer to www.IBTS.ie Other details: There are limited indications for this test. Discuss with Consultant Haematologist. It is most often requested for the investigation of Neo-Natal Allo-Immune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT), Advice should be sought from the Consultant Haematologist if NAIT is suspected. Please use appropriate NHIRL Request form, available from BT Lab. WRH
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Refer to IBTS http://www.giveblood.ie/Clinical_Services/NHIRL/NHIRL_Customer_Handbook.pdf
  • Turnaround Time: 14-21 Days
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Pneumococcal antibodies

  • Test Name: Pneumococcal antibodies
  • Laboratory: Serology External
  • Specimen Type: Clotted Blood Specimen
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, white (paediatric).
  • Specimen Volume: 4ml clotted blood (1.5ml paediatric).
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Referred to external test site
  • Turnaround Time: 14 days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

 

Pneumonia see Respiratory

  • Test Name: Pneumonia see Respiratory tract infections 
  • lower
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type:
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  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details:
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Polio Virus

  • Test Name: Polio Virus
  • Laboratory: Serology External
  • Specimen Type: Clotted Blood Specimen
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, white (paediatric).
  • Specimen Volume: 4ml clotted blood (1.5ml paediatric).
  • Specimen Requirements: Refrigerate if delivery to the laboratory is delayed.
  • Other details: N/A
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Referred to external test site
  • Turnaround Time: 7-10 days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: N/A

 

Porphyria Screen

  • Test Name: Porphyria Screen (Protect all samples from Light)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test
  • Specimen Type: 24 hour urine (non-acid) + random faeces + 2 EDTA samples
  • Specimen Container: 24 hour urine container available from the biochemistry dept + blue top universal container with spatula + 2 purple topped bottles
  • Specimen Volume: Complete urine collection, 10g faeces, 2x 4mls blood
  • Specimen Requirements: Ensure all samples are light protected.
  • - All requests to be accompanied with  James' Request form
  • Other details:
  • - EDTA samples required only if the patient has skin symptoms.
  • - It is advisable to collect a random urine during a suspected attack for emergency PBG analysis. This can be followed by a 24 hour collection for quantitation.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time:
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Pre-analytical stability at room temp:

Potassium - Urine

  • Test Name: Potassium - Urine
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Random urine or 24 hour urine
  • Specimen Container: Sarstedt Urine Z bottle (yellow cap) or 24 hour urine container.
  • Specimen Volume: 3.2 mls or complete collection
  • Specimen Requirements: Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled with patient details. The date and time of start of collection should be clearly stated
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 2 working days
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Potassium (K) - Blood

  • Test Name: Potassium (K) - Blood
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, Green for UHW only
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 4 hours. Elevated values can occur if separation of serum from blood cells is delayed.
  • Other details: Only those samples that are received to the lab on the same day as collection are processed. Please do not request potassium if there is an overnight delay in transit.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 working day Urgent <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits: <2.5 mmol/L >6.5 mmol/L
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Priadel   Please see Lithium

 

Procollagen peptide (Type 111)

  • Test Name: Procollagen peptide (Type 111)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry Referred Test - Send separate request form and sample for referral.
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Red top with a black insert (no gel)
  • Specimen Volume: 2 x 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Send sample to lab within 30 mins.
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 4-5 weeks
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Progesterone

  • Test Name: Progesterone
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum/Plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow (Green for UHW in house samples only)
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details: State phase of menstrual cycle on request form ie day 21. See Reference Ranges
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 working days
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 7 days

 

Prolactin

  • Test Name: Prolactin
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum
  • Specimen Container: Yellow (Green for UHW in house samples only)
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: Avoid stress during venepuncture.
  • Other details: Macroprolactin is performed on all prolactin results >700 mIU/L if not performed within the previous 12 months
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: 3 working days
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 2 days

 

Protein (Total) - blood

  • Test Name: Total Protein - blood
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum, plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow for GP, green for UHW in house samples only.
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 working day Urgent <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Protein - urine

  • Test Name: Protein - urine
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Random urine or 24 hour urine
  • Specimen Container: Sarstedt Urine Z bottle (yellow cap)  or 24 hour urine container.
  • Specimen Volume: 3.2 mls or complete collection
  • Specimen Requirements: Urine collection bottle and request form must be clearly labelled with patient details. The date and time of start of collection should be clearly stated
  • Other details: Please inform the lab if urgent PET request.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
  • Turnaround Time: Routine - 2 working day Urgent <3 hours
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Protein C

  • Test Name: Protein C
  • Laboratory: Haematology
  • Specimen Type: Trisodium Citrate
  • Specimen Container: Blue
  • Specimen Volume: 3 x 3ml or 6 x 3ml for full Thrombophilia screen
  • Specimen Requirements: Inadequately filled tubes cannot be used.
  • Other details: Refer to guidelines for thrombophilia screening on UHW Lab User manual website
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Samples are frozen and done in batch analysis every 4-6 weeks
  • Turnaround Time: 4 -6 weeks
  • Phone alert limits:
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Specimens should ideally be processed within 4 hours of collection. Please send to the laboratory ASAP.

 

Protein S

  • Test Name: Free Protein S
  • Laboratory: Haematology
  • Specimen Type: Trisodium Citrate
  • Specimen Container: Blue
  • Specimen Volume: 3 x 3ml or 6 x 3ml for full Thrombophilia screen
  • Specimen Requirements: Inadequately filled tubes cannot be used.
  • Other details: Refer to guidelines for thrombophilia screening on the UHW Lab User manual website
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Samples are frozen and done in batch analysis every 4-6 weeks
  • Turnaround Time: 4 - 6 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: Specimens should ideally be processed within 4 hours of collection. Please send to the laboratory ASAP.

 

Protein/Creatinine Ratio (PRCR)

  • Test Name: Protein/Creatinine Ratio (PRCR)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Random urine
  • Specimen Container: Sarstedt Urine Z bottle (yellow cap)  or 24 hour urine container.
  • Specimen Volume: 3.2 mls or complete collection
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details: Boric acid container (red top) unsuitable.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: daily
  • Turnaround Time: 2 working days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Prothrombin mutation

  • Test Name: Prothrombin mutation
  • Laboratory: Haematology referral test
  • Specimen Type: EDTA
  • Specimen Container: Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 2.5 ml
  • Specimen Requirements: Do not send Fridays
  • Other details: A signed patient consent form must accompany the sample and request form. A copy of the consent form can be obtained from the Haematology section of the UHW Lab User manual website or from UHW Q-Pulse. Testing will not be performed unless a completed consent form is received.
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: As required. Testing should not need to be repeated.
  • Turnaround Time: 2 - 4 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 2 days

 

Prothrombin Time

  • Test Name: Prothrombin Time (PT)
  • Laboratory: Haematology
  • Specimen Type: Trisodium Citrate
  • Specimen Container: Blue
  • Specimen Volume: Blue
  • Specimen Requirements: Inadequately filled tubes cannot be used.
  • Other details: INR is reported with PT
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Daily
  • Turnaround Time: <2 days (routine) and <2 hours (urgent)
  • Phone alert limits: INR > 5
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 24 hours for patients on warfarin.  PTs for screening non-warfarinised patients should be ideally be processed within 4 hours of collection.  Please send to the laboratory ASAP.

 

PSA (WHO, Roche)

  • Test Name: PSA (WHO, Roche)
  • Laboratory: Biochemistry
  • Specimen Type: Serum, plasma
  • Specimen Container: Yellow, green for WRH in house samples only
  • Specimen Volume: 4mls
  • Specimen Requirements: 
    •  Whole blood specimens for PSA measurement shall be drawn and transported to the laboratory in less than 24 hours. A warning shall accompany results on specimens exceeding this time limit. PSA testing shall not be performed on an uncentrifuged blood specimens received more than 48 hours after it was drawn, unless conclusive evidence indicates that longer contact times do not contribute to result error.
  • Other details: 
    • -A single screening blood test result should not be used as the sole evidence of the presence or absence of malignant disease. PSA may be elevated in patients with BPH, prostatitis, following manipulation of the prostate as well as prostate cancer.  Please note PSA values of a patients sample can vary depending on the testing procedure used.  It is important to use the same laboratory test method when monitoring therapy
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: daily
  • Turnaround Time: 3 working days
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 1 day

 

Pseudo-membraneous colitis

  • Test Name: Pseudo-membraneous colitis see
  • Clostridium difficile - toxin detection
  • Laboratory: Microbiology
  • Specimen Type:
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  • Specimen Volume:
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  • Other details:
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  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Psittacosis

  • Test Name: Psittacosis see Atypical Pneumonia
  • Laboratory: Serology External
  • Specimen Type:
  • Specimen Container:
  • Specimen Volume:
  • Specimen Requirements:
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay:
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  • Preanalytical stability at room temp:

 

Pyruvate Kinase

  • Test Name: Pyruvate Kinase
  • Laboratory: Haematology Referral Test
  • Specimen Type: EDTA
  • Specimen Container: Purple
  • Specimen Volume: 2.5 ml
  • Specimen Requirements: Do not send Fridays
  • Other details:
  • Frequency of analysis/ assay: Referred to external test site
  • Turnaround Time: < 4 weeks
  • Phone alert limits: N/A
  • Preanalytical stability at room temp: 48 hours.

 

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