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Nucleotidase, 5-

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6116, Beaker: XNUCL, ARUP: 80235

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One Gold-top SST tube.
Also acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 14 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT.

Performed

Sunday – Saturday.
Results available in 2-4 days.

Reference Range

0-15 U/L.

Test Methodology

Quantitative Enzymatic.

Interpretation

Serum 5'-nucleotidase NT activity increases in liver disease, especially when the hepatobillary tree is involved.

Clinical Utility

• This assay is a liver function test for cholestatic/biliary obstruction.
• 5'-Nucleotidase (5NT) is widely distributed in tissues and catalyzes the hydrolysis of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and other 5' nucleotides. 5NT levels are seldom increased in bone diseases. This differs from non-specific alkaline phosphatase which is elevated in liver disease, bone disease, and non-pathological circumstances such pregnancy or increased osteoblastic activity. Hence, the 5NT assay is helpful in the differential diagnosis of disorders affecting bone and liver.

CPT Codes

83915
LOINC:  1690-7

Contacts

Last Updated

10/3/2023