Ordering Guidance

This test is for factor X inhibitors only. If the presence or type of inhibitor is unknown, first order APROL / Prolonged Clot Time Profile, Plasma, except for patients with known hemophilia A or B. When screening studies are needed for patients with known hemophilia A or B, order 8INHE / Factor VIII Inhibitor Evaluation, Plasma; or 9 INHE / Factor IX Inhibitor Evaluation, Plasma; respectively.

Shipping Instructions

Send all vials in the same shipping container.

Necessary Information

Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Platelet-poor plasma

Patient Preparation:

1. Patient must not be receiving Coumadin (warfarin) or heparin therapy

2. Fasting preferred

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

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vials

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

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.