pTau181 (Blood)

Referring Laboratory

Automation, ALSS, LabPlus, Auckland Hospital

Testing Laboratory

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MSN

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9932

Synonyms

Phospho-Tau, Phospho-Tau 181, Phospho Tau 181, pT181P

This test may be vetted by the laboratory. Please include relevant clinical information on the request form to ensure appropriate tests are approved. See the 'Clinical Information' section on the testing laboratory's test guide for more information on the indications for testing.

Specimen Type

• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

8

Requesting details (IMPORTANT)
- The Florey request form must be completed.
- Download from: https://florey.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NDDL-Plasma-Specimen-Data-sheet-v6.pdf
- The form should be printed and completed by an approved requestor, then imaged and emailed to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz. The form should be emailed before the patient is sent to the laboratory for testing.
- If the form is not fully and correctly completed, then the sample cannot be processed and sent to the Florey Institute.

When the patient presents to the phlebotomy clinic, the request for "Neurofilament light (NfL)" and/or "pTau181" and "Send to LabPLUS" must be clearly written in the additional tests box.

The test is only available when requested or endorsed by neurologists, or approved psychogeriatricians or psychiatrists specialising in cognitive decline.

All requests are vetted by LabPLUS Chemical Pathologists

Testing implications for the patient and family should be carefully considered and discussed with the patient and/or caregivers prior to requesting. It is the responsibility of the clinician to obtain informed consent. If the patient is unable to give informed consent then it must be obtained from close family members with due authority as parent or guardian, or power of attorney.

Referring Laboratories
- Transport at 2-8°C and centrifuge within 6 hours. If transport to LabPlus is delayed, separated plasma samples should be kept frozen.
- Request will only be approved on an individual basis. Please contact one of the LabPlus Chemical Pathologists before discussing with the patient and arranging for collection.

Specimen
- Two full 4ml EDTA tubes required
- Turnaround time: up to several weeks
- Samples are batched due to high overseas transport costs
- Urgent requests are considered only in exceptional circumstances and must be individually justified

(Note: Total Tau and phospho-Tau (pTau) can also be measured on CSF samples. These have very strict collection requirements and can be collected only by prior arrangement with Auckland Hospital Neurology Daystay).

Sendaways
- Sent to: National Dementia Diagnostics Laboratory (NDDL), The Florey, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Gate 11, Rear loading Dock, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia

Contact Information