Procollagen III

 Referred to Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7UJ
 
Due to manufacturing difficulties, the referral laboratory's diagnostics supplier is currently unable to supply P3NP reagents to any laboratory globally.

The P3NP service has therefore been suspended until the reagent supply is restored, which is estimated to be mid-January 2019.

Samples will be stabilised and stored until reagent becomes available, and the referral laboratory are expecting to clear the backlog of samples within two weeks of the reagents being received.

Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience caused.
 

Alternative names, keywords

Procollagen-3 N-terminal peptide, P3NP

Samples required

Clotted blood (gold cap, 5 mL tube).

Test indications

Detection of liver fibrosis for dermatology patients on methotrexate.

The British Society of Rheumatology do not recommend P3NP monitoring in rheumatology patients on methotrexate.

Testing in children is not recommended - ranges are wide due to collagen deposition in normal growth.

Reference range

2.0 - 7.0 µg/L (adults ≥18 years old)

> 7.0 μg/L

 First occasion: repeat in 3 months.

> 13.0 μg/L on two occasions; or

> 7.0 μg/L but < 13.0 μg/L on three occasions within 12 months; or

> 17 μg/L on one occasion.

 Results may indicate liver fibrosis - suggest onward referral for specialist advice.
Note new reference ranges from 12 March 2018 due to change at referral laboratory.

 

Turnaround time

Referral lab quotes turnaround time of 9 days, however additional time must be allowed for packing, dispatch and delivery of sample, and return and processing of results.

Enquiries

Biochemistry (Referrals)

 

Details