Immunoglobulin and serum protein electrophoresis requesting is changing on 8 July 2026. Clinicians can now request immunoglobulins only or immunoglobulins and electrophoresis. This change will enable doctors to more effectively request the tests that are clinically indicated and streamline laboratory testing, delivering improved turnaround times for these tests. This change will apply to Epsom & St Helier Hospitals and their associated GPs initially, and will then be rolled out to all service users in south west London.
Faecal alpha-1 antitrypsin
| Category | Immunology and PRU |
|---|---|
| Turnaround time | Weekly |
Additional information
We are pleased to announce that this test is now available again.
Indications: Investigation of suspected protein losing enteropathy (PLE)
In protein losing enteropathy, serum proteins are lost into the gut. One way to assess this is to measure the concentration of alpha-1 antitrypsin in stool samples. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is a protease inhibitor, making it resistant to degradation by proteases in the stool sample.
Sample type: Random stool sample of at least 1g.
Method: A 1/10 saline extract is prepared of the stool sample and the filtered extract is analysed by rate nephelometry.
Reference range: 0.00 – 0.48 mg/gww (grams wet weight of faeces)
Turnaround time: 7 working days. A faster turnaround time is possible for clinically urgent cases. Call the Immunology Consultants on 020 8725 5106 to arrange.
Instructions for external laboratories
Samples should be frozen promptly and transported to our laboratory on dry ice. Alternatively a saline extract can be made, filtered, and transported to our laboratory at ambient temperature. Samples should be sent to:
Protein Reference Unit
South West London Pathology
St George’s Hospital
Blackshaw Road
Tooting
London SW17 OQT
For service or price enquiries, please contact the Immunology laboratory on 020 8725 0025 or email immunologylabswlp@stgeorges.nhs.uk.
For any clinical queries, please contact the Immunology Consultants on 020 8725 5106 or email immunologyclinicalenquiries@stgeorges.nhs.uk.
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