Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Caffeine
Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 Accredited test: On scope
Intro:
Caffeine is consumed by more than 90% of adults daily and is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks. It is also combined with analgesics and produced in a tablet form for fatigue relief. Caffeine and its main metabolite paraxanthine are both central nervous system stimulants which, among other effects, can increase blood pressure and accentuate heart beats. Caffeine also has psychoactive properties leading to reduced fatigue and increased alertness. Excessive consumption of caffeine and subsequent withdrawal can lead to non-specific side-effects such as anxiety, depression, palpitations, migraine and insomnia.Caffeine therapy is commonly used to treat apnoea of prematurity in pre-term infants and is well noted to reduce apnoea, intermittent hypoxia, and extubating failure if the infant is mechanically ventilated.
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Expected Turnaround Time:3 working days. Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.
Sample Type:
A minimum volume of 500μL is required for the following samples:• Urine in a plain universal
• Serum or plasma (from a neonatal lithium heparin tube)
• Saliva collected using a suitable collection device such as the Oracol device
Complex Reference Range:Serum:
Neonates:12 – 36 mg/L (1-2 hours post dose)
Adults:
Normal < 2.0 mg/
High 2.0 - 5.0 mg/L
Very high > 5.0 mg/L
Random Urine:
Adults
Normal < 0.50 mg/mmol
High 0.50 - 1.75 mg/mmol
Very high > 1.75 mg/mmol
Collection Conditions / Other Information:Serum samples need to be collected 1-2 hours post dose in neonates receiving therapy.
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:4°C prior to postage.
Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st Class Post.
Sandwell Health Campus,
Specialist Chemistry,
Pathology Department,
Lyndon
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes
EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS TDM scheme.
Lead Contact Details:Consultant Clinical Scientist, Hayley Sharrod-Cole
Email:hayley.sharrod-cole@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:Manuals Laboratory - Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:0121 507 5162
