Ordering Guidance

Multiple coagulation profile tests are available. See Coagulation Profile Comparison for testing that is performed with each profile.

Shipping Instructions

Send all 3 aliquots in the same shipping container.

Necessary Information

1. If priority specimen, mark request form, give reason, and request a call-back.

2. Note if patient is currently receiving anticoagulant treatment (eg, heparin, Coumadin [warfarin]).

Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Platelet-poor plasma

Patient Preparation:

1. Patient should not be receiving anticoagulant treatment (eg, warfarin, heparin). Treatment with heparin causes false-positive results of in vitro coagulation testing for lupus anticoagulant. Coumadin (warfarin) treatment may impair ability to detect the more subtle varieties of lupus-like anticoagulants.

2. Patient should also not be receiving fibrinolytic agents (streptokinase, urokinase, tissue plasminogen activator[ tPA]).

3. It is best to perform this study pretransfusion if possible. If patient has been recently transfused, wait at least 48 hours after transfusion to collect the specimen.

Collection Container/Tube: Light-blue top (3.2% sodium citrate)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vials

Specimen Volume: 3 mL in 3 plastic vials, each containing 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Specimen must be collected prior to factor replacement therapy.

2. For complete instructions, see Coagulation Guidelines for Specimen Handling and Processing.

3. Centrifuge, transfer all plasma into a plastic vial, and centrifuge plasma again.

4. Aliquot plasma (1-2 mL per aliquot) into 3 separate plastic vials, leaving 0.25 mL in the bottom of centrifuged vial.

5. Freeze plasma immediately (no longer than 4 hours after collection) at -20° C or, ideally, -40° C or below.

Additional Information:

1. Double-centrifuged specimen is critical for accurate results as platelet contamination may cause spurious results.

2. Each coagulation assay requested should have its own vial.