Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) Activity

Also known as: PAI-1

Clinical Use

Use

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is a member of a family of proteins that inhibit plasminogen activators. It serves as the primary inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and other plasminogen activators in the blood, thus limiting the production of plasmin and keeping the fibrinolysis process in check. Increased levels of PAI-1 are associated with an increased incidence of acute coronary syndrome, chronic and acute coronary artery disease, and restenosis after coronary angioplasty. PAI-1 levels are determined genetically and have been associated with a variety of atherosclerotic risk factors, insulin resistance syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. It acts as a prothrombic factor in thromboembolic disorders and influences the effectiveness of antithrombolytic therapy.

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

PAI-1 is an acute-phase reactant and can become transiently elevated by infection, inflammation, or trauma. Levels increase during pregnancy, and certain polymorphisms in the PAI-1 gene can lead to increased blood concentrations. Weight loss and treatments that lower triglyceride and/or cholesterol levels have been shown to lower PAI-1 levels.

Test Details

Methodology

Immunoassay (ELISA)

Biomarkers

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1)

Protein

PAI-1 Activity

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

5975-8 - PAI1 Ag PPP IA-aCnc

Result Codes

5975-8 - PAI1 Ag PPP IA-aCnc

Result Turnaround Time

3-5 days

Specimen

Plasma

Volume

0.5 mL

Minimum Volume

Not provided

Container

Blue-top (sodium citrate) tube

Collection Instructions

Blood should be collected in a blue-top tube containing 3.2% buffered sodium citrate. Evacuated collection tubes must be filled to completion to ensure a proper blood to anticoagulant ratio. The sample should be mixed by gentle inversion at least six times to ensure adequate mixing. When collecting with a 'butterfly', use a discard tube. Centrifuge and remove the plasma using a plastic transfer pipette without disturbing the cells. Transfer the plasma into a Labcorp PP transpak frozen purple tube with screw cap. Freeze immediately and maintain frozen until tested.