Protein C Antigen

4948

1 mL frozen platelet-poor plasma collected in 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube

0.5 mL

Please submit a separate, frozen vial for each special coagulation assay ordered. Draw blood in a light blue-top tube containing 3.2% sodium citrate, mix gently by inverting 3-4 times. Centrifuge 15 minutes at 1500 g within one hour of collection. Using a plastic pipette, remove plasma, taking care to avoid the WBC/platelet buffy layer and place into a plastic vial. Centrifuge a second time and transfer platelet-poor plasma into a new plastic vial(s). Freeze immediately and transport on dry ice.

Plastic vial

Frozen

Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen -20° C: 14 days
Frozen -70° C: 1 year

Gross hemolysis

Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: 1-4 days

Expected impact by therapeutic levels (potential interference depends upon drug concentration): Warfarin: no effect to decrease; Heparin (UFH or LMWH): no effect; Dabigatran or Argatroban (Thrombin Inhibitors): no effect; Rivaroxaban or Apixaban (Factor Xa Inhibitors): no effect.

70-140 % normal

Aids in characterization of congenital protein C deficiency. Type I deficiency is characterized by reduction in activity (functional) and antigen levels. With type II deficiency (dysfunctional protein), antigen levels may be normal and activity levels are decreased. Acquired deficiencies may occur with vitamin K antagonists/deficiency, liver disease, malignancy, consumptive DIC, surgery, trauma, and hepatic immaturity of the newborn. Drug therapy with L-asparaginase or fluorouracil can also reduce Protein C antigen levels.

Anticoagulant interference: vitamin K antagonists (eg. warfarin) will decrease PC antigen levels. PC antigen testing is not impacted by other anticoagulants (heparins, and target specific anticoagulants such as Dabigatran, Argatroban, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban).