Filipin staining

Description: 
Free cholesterol accumulation is determined qualitatively in cultured cells which have been pre-incubated in media containing lipoprotein deficient serum and subsequently challenged with media containing pure low density lipoprotein. These cells are fixed and treated with filipin, an antibiotic which forms a fluorescent complex with free cholesterol. Slides are then examined by fluorescence microscopy.
Related condition or disease: 
Niemann-Pick disease type C
Reference range: 

Simultaneous assay controls quoted

Synonyms or keywords: 
Filipin only, Niemann-Pick, NPC
Department: 
Genetics Department
Location: 
Guy's Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Cultured cells
Call in advance: 
No
Turnaround time: 
4 weeks from cultured cells, additional 8 weeks (minimum) from skin biopsy
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Collect skin biopsies into sterile saline or sterile culture media containing fetal bovine serum and send by first class post or courier. Do not freeze. Mycoplasma testing is carried out as standard.
Contacts:
Biochemical Genetics Laboratory at Guy's Hospital
Genetics Department
Tower Wing - 5th Floor
Guy's Hospital
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT

T: 020 7188 2591/2592
F: 020 7188 7275
E: ViapathBiochemicalGenetics@gstt.nhs.uk
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Biochemical Genetics Laboratory at Guy's

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Last updated: 07/08/2015