Geisinger Medical Laboratories Test Catalog
HEPARIN, UNFRACTIONATED |
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ORDERING INFORMATION: |
Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB2430 Geisinger Epic ID: 17589 | |
SPECIMEN COLLECTION |
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Specimen type: |
Platelet-poor plasma | |
Preferred collection container: |
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Alternate Collection Container: |
Other size blue-top (3.2% sodium citrate) tubes (e.g., 1.8 mL, 4.5 mL)
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Specimen required: |
1 mL | |
Special notes: |
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SPECIMEN PROCESSING |
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Specimen processing instructions: |
Specimen processing instructions: Centrifuge specimen immediately at designated time and speed to obtain platelet-poor plasma (<10,000/µL). Using a plastic pipette, carefully remove plasma from cells, avoiding platelet/buffy layer by leaving a thin layer of plasma on top the cells. The centrifuged plasma should be aliquoted (1 mL per aliquot) into clearly labeled polypropylene tubes. The number of tests ordered will determine the aliquots needed. Check the residual specimen for clot and if present discard sample and redraw specimen. If plasma is icteric, lipemic or hemolyzed a lab comment should be generated to notify staff. Freeze upright in non-thaw freezer. | |
Transport temperature: |
Plasma (on or off cells): Room temperature Plasma off cells: Frozen on dry ice |
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Specimen stability: |
Room temperature (whole blood): 1 hour Room temperature (plasma off cells): 2 hours Frozen (plasma) -20°C: 2 weeks Frozen (plasma) -70°C: 6 months |
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Rejection criteria: |
Clotted, hemolyzed, improperly filled tubes, improper anticoagulant ratio (HCT >55% and citrate not adjusted), refrigerated specimens, or stability exceeded. Note: Specimen suspected of thawing in transport, indicated by slant in aliquot or specimen in lid of tube, will have testing performed, and the comment “interpret results with caution as thawing suspected” added to results. | |
TEST DETAILS |
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Reference interval: |
< 0.1 IU/mL | |
Critical values/courtesy alerts: |
Greater than 0.99 IU/mL | |
Additional information: |
Anticoagulation Impact on Coagulation Tests | |
CPT code(s): |
85520 | |
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding. Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed. The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. | ||
Test includes: |
International units | |
Methodology: |
Chromogenic anti-Xa assay |
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Synonyms: |
Unfractionated heparin, Anti-Xa, Xa, HEPU
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Clinical significance: |
Used to quantitate the level of unfractionated heparin in a patient's plasma.
Therapeutic range: 0.3 - 0.7 IU/mL Low antithrombin III levels may falsely lower levels. If three (3) consecutive subtherapeutic unfractionated heparin levels recommend checking antithrombin III level and if low consider antithrombin III replacement. Anticoagulation with anti-Xa inhibitors (e.g. apixaban, rivaroxaban) causes false results. If the patient is on anti-Xa inhibitor prior to heparin therapy use an alternative method to monitor heparin. |
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Doctoral Director(s:) |
Michelle Grant DO | |
Review Date: | 03/31/2023 |
Performing Locations
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital
Geisinger Community Medical Center
Geisinger Medical Center Muncy