Procollagen Type 3 Aminoterminal Peptide (P3NP, Type 3 Procollagen), Serum

Diagnostic Use

Increased concentrations of P3NP are found in a number of conditions where accumulation and/or degradation of connective tissue takes place. These include fibroproliferative, haematological, endocrinological and malignant diseases. The changes in P3NP are not specific for a particular disease but reflect the involvement and altered metabolism of type III collagen.

Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis increase serum concentrations of P3NP, hence it provides a non-invasive means of monitoring methotrexate treated psoriatics, thereby reducing the need of liver biopsies.

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology (2001:143;100-103), concluded that as long as P3 NP was consistently normal in serial investigations there was minimal risk of developing substantial hepatic necrosis.

Department

Specialist Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

PNP

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Serum only

Separating

Separated within 1-2 hours. Aliquot to Specialist Biochemistry - Freezer

Synonyms

P3 NP
Type 3 procollagen

Turnaround Time

3 weeks

Test Code

4758

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum

Minimum Volume (ml)

1.0

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Frozen

Interpretation

According to the Manchester protocol (Br J Derm 2005; 152:444-50), P3NP should be monitored every 2-3 months during continued methotrexate treatment. Considerations for liver biopsy include P3NP above 8.0 ug/L on the pre-treatment sample or on two consecutive samples or P3NP above 4.2 ug/L in at least three samples over a 12 month period. Note that P3NP is a marker of scar formation and transient elevations may be seen with acute tissue damage (recommend follow up after 3 months) or persistently in other chronic fibrotic conditions (e.g. myelofibrosis). It is not intended for use in non-adults.

Reference Intervals

2.3 – 6.4 ug/L

Test Method

RIA-Uniq P3NP Orion Diagnostica kit

Non-Funded Test Cost

$84.43 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

4758

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

Contact Information

Enquiry Form