Ordering Guidance

This test is not indicated for monitoring low molecular weight heparin, unfractionated heparin, or oral direct anti-Xa inhibitors (eg, apixaban, rivaroxaban). For monitoring oral direct anti-Xa inhibitors, see APIXA / Apixaban, Anti-Xa, Plasma or RIVAR / Rivaroxaban, Anti-Xa, Plasma.

Necessary Information

Specimen Required

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Specimen Type: Platelet-poor plasma

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

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial (polypropylene preferred)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Specimen should be collected 2 hours after initiation of continuous infusion of bivalirudin.

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 into a plastic vial 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, below -40° C.

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.