Abnormal Bleeding Profile
Also known as: Bleeding Profile, Abnormal
Use
The Abnormal Bleeding Profile is designed to evaluate patients with unexplained or abnormal bleeding. It helps in diagnosing potential bleeding disorders by evaluating various components of the coagulation system such as platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and thrombin time (TT). These tests provide a comprehensive assessment of the clotting factors and platelet function, which are critical for proper blood clotting and hemostasis.
Special Instructions
If the patient's hematocrit exceeds 55%, the volume of citrate in the collection tube must be adjusted. Refer to Coagulation Collection Procedures for directions. Ensure proper blood to anticoagulant ratio by filling the evacuated collection tubes to completion. Mix the sample immediately by gentle inversion at least six times after collection.
Limitations
This profile may not detect all potential bleeding disorders and should not replace clinical judgment. Hemolysis or clotted specimens can affect results, as well as samples that were not kept within stability limits. Patients on anticoagulant therapy may need to pause medication before testing, as its presence might skew results.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6301-6
- 14979-9
- 3243-3
- 777-3
- 5902-2
Result Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
One tube EDTA whole blood, one tube citrated whole blood (unopened)
Minimum Volume
One tube EDTA whole blood, one tube citrated whole blood (unopened)
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Collection Instructions
Blood should be collected in a blue-top tube containing 3.2% buffered sodium citrate. Collection should be done using double centrifugation. Evacuated collection tubes must be filled to completion, mixed immediately by gentle inversion at least six times, and recentrifuged with a plastic pipette used to transfer plasma carefully.
Patient Preparation
Ideally, patients should not be on anticoagulant therapy. Avoid warfarin (Coumadin®) therapy for two weeks prior to the test and heparin, direct Xa, and thrombin inhibitor therapies for about three days before testing.
Storage Instructions
Maintain whole blood at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Severe hemolysis; improper labeling; clotted specimen; specimen diluted with IV fluids; samples thawed in transit; improper sample type; sample out of stability