Today (7th February 2011) new automated analysers are being installed at Heartlands and Good Hope Hospitals. These analysers will provide the bulk of the biochemistry and immunology analytical service from around 11:00 am.

For the vast majority of analytes there is little difference between the results we currently produce and the ones we will produce from today. However a number of analytes will have different reference ranges and give "numbers" that are different to the ones previously provided. 

These include,

• Tumour makers (CA125, CA153, CA199, CEA and AFP) - full details of changes and plans are available here
• Troponins - full details of changes are here
• PTH - full details of changes here

On Tuesday 7th February, virtually all automated Chemistry and Immunology tests will be switched to new Abbott analysers. For most users, differences between the old and new methods are minimal but after testing for 3 months we have identified that PTH is one test that may differ significantly.

From that date, the new reference range for PTH will be 1.6 – 7.2 pmol/L. From our data we estimate that the new method will produce results approximately 50% higher than the previous method.

For this test we require EDTA plasma (purple top tube). Although serum can be analysed we do not have an appropriate reference interval for serum.

When we switch to the new analyser, we will be adjusting our eGFR calculation to fit with the new method so theoretically there should no noticeable change in this parameter.

We are sending this email to all consultants and other senior staff within the renal team that are on the email database. However, I would be grateful if you could ensure your junior colleagues are aware of these changes.

Further more detailed information is available on request. If you have any queries or comments please contact

David Kennedy (Consultant Clinical Scientist) by email or ext 41705. Dr David Kennedy PhD CSci FRCPath Consultant Clinical Scientist Biochemistry Department Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Tel: 0121 424 2183 Mob: 07825 099 600

Dear Colleagues,

Notification of changes to tumour markers – CA125, CA153, CA199, CEA and AFP

On Tuesday 7th February, virtually all automated Chemistry and Immunology tests will be switched to new Abbott analysers. For most users, differences between the old and new methods are minimal but after testing for 3 months we have identified that tumour markers are one group of tests that may differ significantly.

Because of the importance of serial monitoring of these tests we will be analysing tumour marker requests using both the old and new assays for a period of at least 3 months. This will enable clinicians to establish a new baseline for patients using the new test. Please not that because we will be releasing both results together the turnaround time for these tests will be increased by 24-48 hours for a limited period.

The test most affected will be CA199. Results between the old and new tests for this marker are similar within the reference interval but abnormal results will be much higher with the new test.

Please find attached a summary table showing the anticipated changes to each marker and the new reference intervals.

We are sending this email to all consultants and other senior staff within the oncology, gastroenterology and gynaecology teams that are on the email database. However, I would be grateful if you could ensure your junior colleagues are aware of these changes. Further more detailed information is available on request. If you have any queries or comments please contact David Kennedy (Consultant Clinical Scientist) by email or ext 41705.

Dr David Kennedy PhD CSci FRCPath Consultant Clinical Scientist Biochemistry Department Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust Tel: 0121 424 2183 Mob: 07825 099 600

Notification of switch from cardiac Troponin T to Troponin I

On Tuesday 7th February, virtually all automated Chemistry and Immunology tests will be switched to new Abbott analysers. For most tests, differences between the old and new methods are minimal but the switch makes it necessary for us to replace cardiac troponin T with troponin I. We have worked with specialists within Abbott diagnostics to devise a new protocol which retains similar diagnostic specificity and sensitivity to our existing test.

From 7th Feb, the new cut-off will be 32 ng/L. The new protocol uses the same time intervals for repeating tests e.g. after 6-9 hours if the 1st result is at or below the cut-off and after 3 hours if the 1st result is above the cut-off. A 2nd result which is > 20% higher than the 1st is consistent with ACS whereas a 2nd result

Once we go live on Tuesday 7th February the new protocol will be available on our website via http://www.heftpathology.com/trop

We are sending this email to all consultants and other senior staff within the cardiology team and the ED teams that are on the telephone database. However, I would be grateful if you could ensure your junior colleagues are aware of these changes.

Further, more detailed information, is available on request. If you have any queries or comments please contact David Kennedy (Consultant Clinical Scientist) by email or ext 41705.

The test database has been completely redesign to make searching and findin the right information easier. We've also included common clinical presentations and the recommended tests for that situation. We love to hear feedback from our users, if you have any questions, queries or comments than please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.