Overview of Services

The E. M. Papper Laboratory of Clinical Immunology is dedicated to serving the needs of the medical and research community by providing accurate and up-to-date immunologic assays.

Services include:

  • B-cell and T-cell phenotyping and enumeration by multi-colored flow cytometry.
  • Quantitative flow cytometry for study of surface and intercellular molecules.
  • Lymphocyte response to antigens and mitogens: proliferation.
  • Lymphocyte response to antigens or mitogens: intracellular cytokine production by flow cytometry or cytokine secretion and ELISA assay.
  • Natural killer cell cytotoxicty.
  • Monocyte/macrophage function by flow cytometry.
  • Apoptosis by flow cytometry.
  • Immunoglobulin quantitations, IgG subclasses and B-cell function by antibody responses to immunization.
  • Laboratory evaluation for chronic fatigue syndrome and other related immune dysfunction disorders, such as fibromyalgia, sick building syndrome and Persian Gulf syndrome.
  • Determination of a large number of cytokines and soluble immune mediators in serum or other body fluids.
  • Antibodies to EBV, HIV, and HHV6.
  • Molecular diagnostic services in the area of HIV including the determination of HIV viral load in plasma by RT-PCR.
  • Salivary Cortisol.
  • Serving both as a research and reference laboratory, the scientists who are associated with the E. M. Papper Laboratory of Clinical Immunology are dedicated to updating and improving immunologic testing.

Serving both as a research and reference laboratory, the scientists who are associated with the E. M. Papper Laboratory of Clinical Immunology are dedicated to updating and improving immunologic testing.

ACCREDITATION

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988 (CLIA) ID# 10D0682900
COLA Lab Accreditation ID# 16258
State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration ID# 800001299
Medicaid Provider ID# 060671500
Medicare Provider ID# L8367

LABORATORY SERVICE HOURS

Samples are accepted by the Laboratory Monday-Thursday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and on Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

A comprehensive quality assurance program monitors performance from specimen pick-up to result reporting. The directors and supervisors at the laboratory verify the performance of the different assays in the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical processes. Routine assessment of each assay is established by using multiple controls and/or standards with each assay. The laboratory has a Quality Assurance Committee that meets bimonthly to review quality control issues.

All instruments are calibrated and preventive maintenance is performed based on pre-determined schedules as indicated in specifications from manufacturers in concert with state regulatory guidelines.

Participation in the College of American Pathologist (CAP), American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) approved quality assurance programs and inter laboratory comparisons documents are performance for accuracy and precision during laboratory testing.

CONSULTATION

Members of our faculty and supervisors are available to review specific cases and test results. Inquiries should be addressed to Mary Ann Fletcher, Ph.D., Nancy Klimas, M.D. at 305-243-6288, or faxed to: 305- 243-4674.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION/PROCESSING

Detailed specimen requirements for each assay should be determined by consultation with the laboratory prior to submitting samples. The quality of laboratory results is predicated on the proper collection and handling of the specimen. If no temperature is specified, store and ship specimens at ambient temperature. Please note temperature ranges are as follows:

Frozen specimens (dry ice) -20°C or colder
Cold pack +2 to 6 °C
Ambient +18 to 26°C

SPECIMEN SHIPPING LOCATION

Specimens that require overnight delivery should be sent by Federal Express or any other overnight air courier. Specimens submitted by overnight courier should comply with all federal regulations covering the transport of clinical specimens and pathogens. Originators of patient samples are advised to check with the shipper for specific instructions. To ensure timely arrival, send packages to:

The E. M. Papper Clinical Immunology Laboratory
University of Miami School of Medicine
(R-42), Room 8183
1600 NW 10th Avenue
Miami, FL 33136
Phone: 305-243-6288
Fax: 305-243-4674

REQUISITION FOR LABORATORY SERVICE

Please submit requisitions to:

The E. M. Papper Clinical Immunology Laboratory
University of Miami School of Medicine
(R-42), Room 8183
1600 NW 10th Avenue
Miami, FL 33136