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, warfarin).

Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Platelet-poor plasma

Patient Preparation:

1. Patient should not be receiving anticoagulant treatment (eg, warfarin, heparin). If not possible for medical reasons, note on request.

 a. If medically feasible, for 4 to 6 hours before specimen collection, do not administer intravenous heparin.

 b. If medically feasible, for 10 to 14 days before specimen collection, do not administer subcutaneous heparin or warfarin.

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

3. It is recommended that specimens be collected pretransfusion. If patient has been transfused, a specimen should not be collected for 48 hours.

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

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vials

Specimen Volume: 3 mL Platelet-poor plasma 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. Immediately freeze plasma (no longer than 4 hours after collection) at -20° C or, ideally, -40° C or below.