Geisinger Medical Laboratories Test Catalog
PROTEIN C ACTIVITY |
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ORDERING INFORMATION: |
Geisinger Epic Procedure Code: LAB2932 Geisinger Epic ID: 17588 | |
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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Patient preparation: |
Patient must be off Coumadin 2 weeks prior to testing. | |
SPECIMEN PROCESSING |
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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: |
Frozen on dry ice | |
Specimen stability: |
Room temperature (whole blood): 4 hours Room temperature (plasma off cells): 8 hours Frozen -20°C: 30 days Frozen -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. |
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TEST DETAILS |
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Reference interval: |
75-135% | |
Additional information: |
Anticoagulation Impact on Coagulation Tests | |
CPT code(s): |
85303 | |
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: |
Protein C activity | |
Methodology: |
Chromogenic |
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Synonyms: |
Functional Protein C, PROTC
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Clinical significance: |
Protein C is a vitamin K-dependent protein produced by the liver that hydrolyzes factors Va and VIIIa to prevent clot formation. Low protein C levels can be associated with an increase irisk for blood clot. Acquired causes include liver disease, pregnancy, vitamin K deficiency, coumadin therapy, proinflammatory state, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). | |
Doctoral Director(s:) |
Michelle Grant DO | |
Review Date: | 03/31/2023 |