PROTEIN C ACTIVITY

Message

Do not thaw and refreeze

Test Code

PROTC

CPT Codes
85303

Preferred Specimen

1 Blue tube (Sodium Citrate)

Minimum Volume

1 mL platelet-poor plasma

Other Acceptable Specimens

None

Instructions

Tube MUST be full for proper whole blood to anticoagulant ratio. Invert tube "end to end" to prevent clotting.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Freeze at -20° or lower stable for 1 month

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolyzed samples; clotted; citrate tube underfilled or overfilled; sample received more than 4 hours after collection (has not been centrifuged and frozen)

Methodology
Chromogenic

Setup Schedule

Tuesday and Thursday only

Report Available

Report available same day tested.

Reference Range

70 - 160%

Clinical Significance

Low Protein C is characterized by venous thrombosis, anticoagulant therapy, liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, malignancy, consumptive DIC, surgery, and antibodies to Protein C. If blood is drawn from an indwelling catheter, flush line with saline and the first 5ml of blood discarded.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NHMC (Hematology, Miscellaneous)

Additional Information
BD Vacutainer Plus Blue Top Volume Fill Guide
Obtaining Platelet-Poor Plasma

Last Updated: January 25, 2024

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.