Test Category: Immunology
Investigation Name:Mannose Binding Lectin (MBL)
Alias or Abbreviation:MBL
Intro:
Indication:Recurrent infections in childhood or during chemotherapy.
Further information:
MBL is a member of the Collectin family, which are proteins characterised by the presence of collagenlike and lectin-binding domains. MBL is an important element in innate immune defence.
MBL shares functional features in common with C1q, IgM and IgG. It is associated with a serine protease (MASP); MBL associated serine protease is activated when MBL binds to microbial carbohydrate surfaces and in turn activates the lectin pathway of the complement cascade.
MBL deficiencies are associated with defects of opsonisation and an increased risk of infection when the adaptive immune system is immature (in early childhood) or has been suppressed (e.g. after organ transplantation or during cancer chemotherapy), and with a poorer prognosis in cystic fibrosis. Low concentration of MBL in serum or plasma is common and does not necessarily imply the existence of any disease. The results must be interpreted alongside the patient's clinical features.
Pathology Laboratory:Immunology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Minimum Sample Volume:2mL
Expected Turnaround Time:3 Weeks
Test Code:MBL
Sample Type:
Serum Gel Tube (Gold top)Complex Reference Range:Normal = 0.7 – 6.0 mg/L
Reference Laboratory Details:Immunology and Protein Reference Unit, Sheffield
Referred to Another Laboratory?Yes
Storage Requirements:Ambient temperature
Posting Address / Requirements:1st class post/ Trust transport
Lead Contact Details:Clinical queries email:
rwh-tr.bcpsimmunologyclinicalqueries@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.ImmunologyLab@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:Immunology, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton
Contact Number:01902 695 279 or Ext 85279
