Description
Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins, that precipitate at temperatures below 37°C and redissolve on rewarming. Their presence in the course of infectious diseases can be regarded as _transient insufficiency of circulating immune complex clearance. Monoclonal cryoimmunoglobulinaemia is almost invariably associated with a well-known haematological disorder and is frequently asymptomatic whereas, circulating mixed cryoglobulins are often detected in many infectious and systemic disorders. Essential mixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC) is a distinct disorder, characterised by leukocytoclastic vasculitis of small and medium sized vessels, and frequent multiple organ involvement.
Indications
Cryoglobulinaemia is a frequent laboratory finding, often with no clinical relevance. Low concentrations of serum mixed cryoglobulins are detectable in a large number of acute or chronic infections, and in autoimmune or lymphoproliferative diseases. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) seropositivity is found in 70-100% of patients with MC with evidence of a link between cryoglobulinaemia and viraemia. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is also associated with MC.
Sample Type, Quantity & Conditions
3 ml Serum
Special Precautions
Specimen must be drawn in a pre-warmed tube and kept at 37°C while clotting. Separate serum from cells immediately after clot formation and pour into clean transport tube.
Normal Range
Negative
