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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Protein C Activity with Reflex to Protein C Antigen
Test Code8754
CPT Codes
85303
Includes
If Protein C Activity is <70%, then Protein C Antigen will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 85302).
Preferred Specimen
1 mL frozen platelet-poor plasma (x2) collected in 3.2% sodium citrate (light blue-top) tubes
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (x2)
Instructions
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.
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.
Transport Container
Plastic vials
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 14 days
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 14 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis
Methodology
Clotting Assay
Setup Schedule
Monday-Friday Evening
Report available: Next Day
Report available: Next Day
Reference Range
Protein C Activity | 70-180 % normal |
Clinical Significance
Aids in characterization of 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: Expected impact by therapeutic levels (potential interference depends upon drug concentration): Vitamin K Antagonists (eg coumadin): decrease; Heparin (UFH or LMWH): no effect to falsely increased activity levels at higher levels; Dabigatran or Argatroban (Direct Thrombin Inhibitors): may falsely increase activity; Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban (Factor Xa Inhibitors): may falsely increase activity.
Anticoagulant interference: Expected impact by therapeutic levels (potential interference depends upon drug concentration): Vitamin K Antagonists (eg coumadin): decrease; Heparin (UFH or LMWH): no effect to falsely increased activity levels at higher levels; Dabigatran or Argatroban (Direct Thrombin Inhibitors): may falsely increase activity; Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban (Factor Xa Inhibitors): may falsely increase activity.