Test Guide Mobile

Asparaginase

Blood
Test performed by: LabPLUS Support Services transport this to a 3rd party for testing

This test is not available at LabPlus. It will be sent to Canterbury Health Laboratories, PEG-asparaginase activity will be measured by their laboratory in fortnightly batches while Erwinia-asparaginase will be forwarded to the Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney for testing. Asparaginase - Canterbury Health Laboratories (chl.co.nz)

Requests coming from adult or paediatric Haematology/Oncology teams will be automatically processed. Otherwise, prior approval by the on-call Chemical Pathologist is required
The time to collect post dose is dictated by the local Haematology/Oncology team protocol - generally is post-dose day 7 (5-8) for PEG-asparaginase and 24-48 hours post dose for Erwinia.
4 mL blood collected into a Lithium Heparin non-gel tube is required.
Send the specimen promptly to the laboratory after collection. Transport at room temperature, however, it MUST be separated with 2 hours from time of collection
In addition to the LabPlus request form, the "Asparaginase Activity Request Form" from Canterbury Health Laboratories will also need to be completed and sent with the specimen (see link below). It will need to have the following information:

Date of collection
Asparaginase type: PEG or Erwinia
Dose (U/m2)
Date of dose
Evidence of allergic reaction: confirmed/suspected/no evidence
Weight (kg) and Height (cm)
Clinical turn around time required

If the form does not download automatically, please right click and select 'open up new window'.

Asparaginase

Download: Aspariginase Activity Request Form from Canterbury Health Laboratories - Canterbury request form for asparaginase.pdf

Specimen Collection
4 mL Heparin Blood
Contact Information
Emails to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.

If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).

Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.

After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.

Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402

Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052

Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427

Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427

Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427

Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories
Ensure you have also received the Asparaginase Activity Request Form from Canterbury Health Laboratories as well as a LabPlus request form before sending the sample away for testing.

Sample
4 mL heparin non-gel tube

Transport/Stability
Transport to the collection laboratory at room temperature

Must be separated within 2 hours

Aliquot into two separate aliquots of at least 0.5 mL each

Freeze immediately

Transport to LabPlus
Send both aliquots frozen

Last updated at 16:02:42 05/03/2025