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Protein C Antigen (LABCORP)
Test Code99901001085
Alias/See Also
LAB490: Protein C Antigen, Total | LABCORP EAP: 080465
CPT Codes
85302x1
Preferred Specimen
LABCORP LAB: LT BLUE TOP-CITRATE (Frozen) Min Vol: 1
Transport Temperature
Special Instructions: If the patient's hematocrit exceeds 55%, the volume of citrate in the collection tube must be adjusted. Refer to Coagulation Collection Procedures for directions.
Specimen: Plasma, frozen
Volume: 1 mL
Container: Blue-top (sodium citrate) tube
Collection: Blood should be collected in a blue-top tube containing 3.2% buffered sodium citrate.1 Evacuated collection tubes must be filled to completion to ensure a proper blood-to-anticoagulant ratio.2,3 The sample should be mixed immediately by gentle inversion at least six times to ensure adequate mixing of the anticoagulant with the blood. A discard tube is not required prior to collection of coagulation samples, except when the sample is collected using a winged (ie, "butterfly") collection system. With a winged blood collection set a discard tube should be drawn first to account for the dead space of the tubing and prevent underfilling of the evacuated tube.4,5 When noncitrate tubes are collected for other tests, collect sterile and nonadditive (red-top) tubes prior to citrate (blue-top) tubes. Any tube containing an alternative anticoagulant should be collected after the blue-top tube. Gel-barrier tubes and serum tubes with clot initiators should also be collected after the citrate tubes. Please print and use the Volume Guide for Coagulation Testing to ensure proper draw volume.
Storage Requirements:
Plasma from Light Blue Top Tube Frozen
Storage Instructions: Freeze
Patient Preparation: Avoid warfarin (Coumadin®) therapy for two weeks and heparin therapy for two days prior to the test. Do not draw from an arm with a heparin lock or heparinized catheter.
Specimen: Plasma, frozen
Volume: 1 mL
Container: Blue-top (sodium citrate) tube
Collection: Blood should be collected in a blue-top tube containing 3.2% buffered sodium citrate.1 Evacuated collection tubes must be filled to completion to ensure a proper blood-to-anticoagulant ratio.2,3 The sample should be mixed immediately by gentle inversion at least six times to ensure adequate mixing of the anticoagulant with the blood. A discard tube is not required prior to collection of coagulation samples, except when the sample is collected using a winged (ie, "butterfly") collection system. With a winged blood collection set a discard tube should be drawn first to account for the dead space of the tubing and prevent underfilling of the evacuated tube.4,5 When noncitrate tubes are collected for other tests, collect sterile and nonadditive (red-top) tubes prior to citrate (blue-top) tubes. Any tube containing an alternative anticoagulant should be collected after the blue-top tube. Gel-barrier tubes and serum tubes with clot initiators should also be collected after the citrate tubes. Please print and use the Volume Guide for Coagulation Testing to ensure proper draw volume.
Storage Requirements:
Plasma from Light Blue Top Tube Frozen
Storage Instructions: Freeze
Patient Preparation: Avoid warfarin (Coumadin®) therapy for two weeks and heparin therapy for two days prior to the test. Do not draw from an arm with a heparin lock or heparinized catheter.
Specimen Stability
Stability Requirements:
Room temperature
Refrigerated
Frozen - 28 days
Freeze/thaw cycles - Stable x3
Room temperature
Refrigerated
Frozen - 28 days
Freeze/thaw cycles - Stable x3
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Cause for Rejection:
Gross hemolysis; clotted specimens; frozen specimens thawed in transit; inadequate labeling.
Gross hemolysis; clotted specimens; frozen specimens thawed in transit; inadequate labeling.
Report Available
LABCORP LAB
STAT: 5760 min
Routine: 5760 min
Extended TAT: No TAT min
Timed: 5760 min
Life or Death: 5760 min
STAT: 5760 min
Routine: 5760 min
Extended TAT: No TAT min
Timed: 5760 min
Life or Death: 5760 min
Last Updated: August 29, 2025
