If the urine does not turn black on standing, try making the urine alkaline and then if it is alkaptunuria it should turn black . Then you might want to send Simon a urine for organic acid analysis for confirmation Best to all Mike From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Simon Olpin Sent: Friday, October 18, 2013 11:37 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Black discharge Try Alkaptonuria. Kind wishes, Simon Dr Simon Olpin PhD CSci FRCPath Consultant Clinical Scientist in Inherited Metabolic Disease Department of Clinical Chemistry Sheffield Children's Hospital Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TH + 44 (0)114 2717267 >>> "Hunt Natalie (LTHTR)" <[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>> 10/18/2013 3:01 pm >>> Dear All, We have been asked for our thoughts on the cause of a black vaginal discharge in a Gynaecology patient. Anatomical causes including fistulas and bleeding have been excluded. Apparently the patient's urine is not black but she is presenting black sanitary towels to her consultant at each appointment. Does anyone have any ideas of a physiological cause or any further testing for this patient? Many thanks Natalie Hunt -----Original Message----- From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Al-Bahrani Ali Sent: 18 October 2013 12:49 To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Subject: Procalcitonin Dear Colleagues Our ICU team would like us to explore the possibility of introducing Procalcitonin (PCT) to our routine service. To this end, I would most obliged if I could share your current protocol and procedures? Do you run the service OOH? What is your recommended TAT? Do we have an EQP on PCT? My apology if these questions have been raise previously. Kind Regards Ali Lead pathologist Sent from my iPhone Dr Ali Al-bahrani MBCh.B MSc.EuChem Path. CSci. FRCPath. Consultant Chemical Pathologist and HOD of Chemical Pathology St Mary's Hospital Newport Isle of Wight PO30 5TG United Kingdom Te: 01983 534859/534917 Fax. 01983 825437 ------ACB discussion List Information-------- This is an open discussion list for the academic and clinical community working in clinical biochemistry. Please note, archived messages are public and can be viewed via the internet. Views expressed are those of the individual and they are responsible for all message content. ACB Web Site http://www.acb.org.uk<http://www.acb.org.uk/> Green Laboratories Work http://www.laboratorymedicine.nhs.uk<http://www.laboratorymedicine.nhs.uk/> List Archives http://www..jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB<http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/ACB>-CLIN-CHEM-GEN.html List Instructions (How to leave etc.) http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/ This message and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the individual(s) addressed. 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