Aids in characterization of congenital protein C deficiency. Type I deficiency is characterized by reduction in activity (functional) and antigen levels. With type II deficiency (dysfunctional protein), antigen levels may be normal and activity levels are decreased. Acquired deficiencies may occur with vitamin K antagonists/deficiency, liver disease, malignancy, consumptive DIC, surgery, trauma, and hepatic immaturity of the newborn. Drug therapy with L-asparaginase or fluorouracil can also reduce Protein C antigen levels.
Anticoagulant interference: vitamin K antagonists (eg. warfarin) will decrease PC antigen levels. PC antigen testing is not impacted by other anticoagulants (heparins, and target specific anticoagulants such as Dabigatran, Argatroban, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban).
If multiple special coagulation assays ordered, submit a separate, frozen vial for each one.
* This volume does not allow for repeat testing
Draw blood in light blue-top tube containing 3.2% sodium citrate.
Mix gently by inverting 3-4 times.
Centrifuge 15 minutes at 1500 x g within 1 hour of collection.
Using a plastic pipette, remove plasma, taking care to avoid the WBC/platelet buffy layer and place into a plastic vial.
Centrifuge a second time and transfer platelet-poor plasma into a new plastic vial(s).
Freeze immediately and transport on dry ice
Gross hemolysis
Preferred
Transport on dry ice
0 - 15 years: No reference range available
> or = 16 years: 70-140% of normal
Aids in characterization of congenital protein C deficiency. Type I deficiency is characterized by reduction in activity (functional) and antigen levels. With type II deficiency (dysfunctional protein), antigen levels may be normal and activity levels are decreased. Acquired deficiencies may occur with vitamin K antagonists/deficiency, liver disease, malignancy, consumptive DIC, surgery, trauma, and hepatic immaturity of the newborn. Drug therapy with L-asparaginase or fluorouracil can also reduce Protein C antigen levels.
Anticoagulant interference: vitamin K antagonists (eg. warfarin) will decrease PC antigen levels. PC antigen testing is not impacted by other anticoagulants (heparins, and target specific anticoagulants such as Dabigatran, Argatroban, Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban).
1 to 4 days
00910614
85302
Recommended as outpatient testing only