Glycine (CSF)
Chemical Pathology
Notes
- For investigation of possible non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia (also known as glycine encephalopathy), which can present in neonates.
- **DO NOT SEND CSF SAMPLES VIA THE AIR TUBE. SAMPLES MUST BE TAKEN BY HAND TO PATHOLOGY RECEPTION**
Sample requirements
- The CSF sample should be accompanied by a simultaneous plasma sample (ideally collected within two hours of the CSF) to allow calculation of the CSF:plasma glycine ratio (1 and 2 below).
- CSF must not be bloodstained.
- If other CSF investigations are required please check CSF Sample Requirements for further details
- A minimum of 0.1 mL of CSF collected into a plain 30 mL Universal
(1 mL of CSF is approximately equal to 25 drops from the Luer connector of the needle).
- Blood taken into a 0.8mL minicollect lithium heparin tube
Required information
- Clinical reason for the investigation,
- Date of any previous lumbar puncture (if within the last month)
- The date and time of the current lumbar puncture
Turnaround times
CSF samples are sent for analysis to North Bristol NHS Foundation Trust with results expected back within 3 weeks.
Reference ranges
This will be supplied with the results.
Further information
To learn more about CSF analysis, visit Lab Tests Online
Page last updated 29/04/2024