Prolonged Clot Time Profile, Plasma
Use
This test is useful in determining the cause of prolongation of prothrombin time or activated partial thromboplastin time. It also assists in screening for prolonged clotting times and determining the presence of factor deficiencies or inhibitors, such as factor-specific inhibitors, lupus-like anticoagulants, or the presence of heparin.
Special Instructions
Note if the patient is currently receiving heparin, Coumadin (warfarin), or any medication affecting coagulation, as these can impact the test results. The patient should not be receiving anticoagulant treatment, such as warfarin or heparin, as it may cause false-positive results for lupus anticoagulant testing. Additionally, medications affecting coagulation parameters must be noted on requisition for accurate interpretation.
Limitations
Testing may be performed on patients receiving anticoagulant treatments, but medications must be noted for accurate interpretation. Coumadin treatment can impair detection of subtle lupus-like anticoagulants. High hematocrit levels (>55%) require anticoagulant volume adjustment to avoid plasma dilution. Gross hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus in samples can cause rejection.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 98125-8
- 14979-9
- 48664-7
- 46717-5
- 18771-6
- 69049-5
- 6301-6
- 5902-2
- 15359-3
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
5 mL in 5 plastic vials, each containing 1 mL
Minimum Volume
4 plastic vials, each containing 1 mL
Container
Light-blue top (3.2% sodium citrate), Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Specimen must be collected prior to factor replacement therapy. Centrifuge, transfer all plasma into a plastic vial, centrifuge plasma again, aliquot plasma (1-2 mL per aliquot) into 5 separate plastic vials, leaving 0.25 mL in the bottom of the centrifuged vial. Freeze plasma immediately at -20 degrees C or ideally, -40 degrees C or below within 4 hours after collection.
Patient Preparation
Patient should not be receiving anticoagulant treatment or fibrinolytic agents. It is best to perform this study pretransfusion. If the patient has been recently transfused, wait at least 48 hours after transfusion to collect the specimen.
Storage Instructions
Freeze at -20 degrees C or, ideally, -40 degrees C or below.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 14 days |