Neurodegenerative Profile, CSF
Ordering Info & Methodology
Test Code
Cerner Synonyms
CIPAN
Turn Around Time
Methodology
Requires paper requisition. 4 weeks from date of receipt of specimen (not from date of lumbar puncture)
ABeta 42, total tau and phospho tau by chemiluminescence immunoassays (Roche Elecsys, generation 2).
ABeta 42/40 ratio by mass spectrometry (available only as reflexive testing to the above, and only for select clinical scenarios).
Ordering Guide
Pre-approval by SPH laboratory recommended PRIOR to CSF collection - see requisition for details.
Specimen Requirements
Sample Type
Collection Container
Alternate Collection Containers
CSF
Blue-top (Sarstedt #63.614699 or #63.614.625) tube, included in Neurodegenerative Profile collection kit distrubuted by St. Paul's Hospital Lab
No alternative tube types. White-top tubes NOT accepted.
2 mL
CSF must be collected directly into special blue-top tube. Testing CANNOT be added-on to previous collections in white-top CSF tubes provided in the standard LP kits.
Add on stability
This is the length of time after sample collection that this analyte is stable. Test can be added to a previously collected sample if the time since collection is less than the add on stability time.
Minimum Volume
Add On Stability
Collection and Shipping Requirements
The lumbar puncture and CSF collection, processing and storage must follow specific protocols -- see detailed protocol in Resources section below. Failure to adhere to these protocols can result in falsely low Aβ concentrations. If pre-analytical error is suspected, please contact the laboratory.
Reference Intervals
Female Reference Interval
Age Category | Reference Interval | units |
|---|---|---|
Male Reference Interval
Age Category | Reference Interval | units |
|---|---|---|
Additional Notes
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Measurement Uncertainty (MU)
Every laboratory value is an estimate of the true concentration of substance. MU is the 95% confidence interval around that estimate. 95% of the time, the true concentration will be within the range of the reported value ±MU. This value is based on analytical variability (precision) and does not reflect other factors such as sample collection and handling which may also affect the result.
Example
Reported sodium = 140 mmol/L
Sodium MU = 1%
Expanded uncertainty = 140 mmol/L ± 1% or 140mmol/L ± 1.4 mmol/L
Interpretation - the true value of sodium in the sample is in the range 138.6-141.4 mmol/L, with 95% confidence.
Measurement Uncertainty
Questions?
Please read through the information and documents provided below. Medical professionals can contact Dr. Mari DeMarco at mdemarco@providencehealth.bc.ca with any questions.
Who can order this test?
This testing is restricted to specialists in dementia care. A dementia specialist is defined a physician trained and board-certified in neurology, psychiatry, or geriatric medicine who devotes a substantial proportion (≥ 25%) of patient contact time to the evaluation and care of adults with cognitive impairment or dementia.
To request Neurodegenerative Profile Collection Kits
For clinical labs restocking their supply of kits, please contact SPH PPA at inquireppa@providencehealth.bc.ca
Resources for practitioners
BC Requisition (PHC-LA207.03) - Only for patients with a BC PHN. Pre-approval for testing recommended; fax requisition with completed Section A to St. Paul's Hospital clinical lab: 604-806-9681
Collection & Shipping Quick Guide (ver.202106) - This 'quick guide' graphical insert is provided in the test collection kit.
Collection and Shipping Protocol (ver.202107) - Detailed specimen collection, storage and shipping information.
Interpretive Guide for Physicians (ver.202201.01) - Diagnostic cut-points, diagnostic accuracy and risk of progression information.
For samples analyzed prior to January 28, 2022, please refer to the archived Interpretive Guide for Physicians ver.202107.02 which includes cut-points for the Generation 1 assays.
Resources specific to out-of-province (non-BC) practitioners
Out-of-Province (non-BC) Requisition (PHC-LA208.02) - Test requisition for patients without a BC Provincial Health Number. Version "PHC-LA208.02" was issued on Aug 2, 2021.
Invoicing information - For out-of-province requisitions, financial information for the ordering physician must be on-file with the lab before testing will be performed.
Collection & shipping info - See "Resources for practitioners" section above
Resources for patients and family members
Printed versions of the guides below are available free of charge for doctor's offices and clinics in Canada. For medical professionals only: please contact us and include your full mailing address and the desired number of copies.
Lumbar Puncture Guide - This guide discusses what to expect and answers common questions.
Biomarker Guide - This guide discusses what biomarkers are measured, why, and what the result mean (and what they do not mean).
Brain Health Resources Guide - This guide details many of the resources available to help individuals and families living with a neurodegenerative disorder.
Resources for researchers
Our laboratory is experienced in supporting a wide range of research studies from transnational research studies to multi-site clinical trials. Our laboratory is accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia Diagnostic Accreditation Program and participates in the Alzheimer's Association QC program. Please contact Dr. DeMarco (mdemarco@providencehealth.bc.ca) regarding biomarker testing for research studies.