Thermal Amplitude
| Indications | Determination of optimal temperature of reactivity of cold antibodies. *Special collection procedures are required. |
| Method | Standard test tube methodology, Hemagglutination |
| Test Information | The thermal amplitude test is performed to determine the reactivity of a cold autoantibody at varying temperatures: 4° C, 22° C, 30° C, and 37° C. Cold autoantibodies that are reactive at temperatures greater than 30° C have the potential to be clinically significant regardless of the antibody titer. When the IgM antibody reactions at greater than 30° C, it may be causing hemolysis (cold agglutinin syndrome, CAS). Cold antibodies that are reactive at temperatures less than 30° C are not considered to be clinically significant.
Please see sample information below for specific collection instructions |
| Sample Requirements | EDTA tube. Serum separator gel tube is not acceptable. |
| Requested Volume | 1 full 7 ml EDTA sample *Please see sample information below |
| Minimum Volume or Pediatric volume | Minimum volume: 1 full 7 ml EDTA sample Pediatric: 1 full 3 ml EDTA sample; neonate: 2 full 0.5 ml EDTA microtainers |
| Sample Information | Please call Immunohemtology Laboratory prior to drawing sample.
Sample drawn and maintained at 37°C. Once sample is separated, immediately transfer the plasma to a plastic tube labeled with patient’s name and send to the lab. |
| Shipping Information | Ship plasma at ambient temperature
Send samples to: |
| Requisition Form | Request for Testing-Immunohematology Reference Laboratory |
| Transaction Code | 3140-00 |
| 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 |
