Test Code Chrom AT-III Chromogenic AT-III Assay
Aliases
AT III Chromogenic Assay
Useful For
Antithrombin III, heparin cofactor I (AT III), has been of increasing interest to clinicians concerned with causes and treatment of thrombotic disorders. In the absence of heparin, AT III is a slow, progressive, irreversible inhibitor of thrombin and other clotting factors and fibrinolytic agents. When heparin is present, AT III becomes a rapid inhibitor of the same enzymes.
Patient Preparation
No special patient preparation required
Special Collection Instructions
Properly filled 9:1 ratio (blood to anticoagulant)
Collection Method
Venous Draw; properly filled 9:1 ratio (blood to anticoagulant)
Minimum Volume
0.5 ml of plasma from a properly filled 1.8 mL or 2.7 mL NaCitrate (light blue) tube
Container
Light Blue Sodium Citrate
Preferred Specimen
2.7mL Lt. Blue (3.2% NaCitrate)
Acceptable Specimens
1.8 mL Lt. Blue (3.2% NaCitrate) tube
Reference or Target Ranges
83 - 128%
Reportable Units
% (percentage)
Critical Value
Not defined for this assay
Reasons for Rejection
Hemolysis Threshold | N/A |
Icterus Threshold | N/A |
Lipemia Threshold | N/A |
Interfering Subtances/Other | Short draws, over draws, clotted, improperly labeled, hemolyzed, lipemic or icteric samples, samples > 4 hours from collection |
Specimen Stability
Ambient | Plasma – 4 hours |
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) | N/A |
Frozen(-70°C to -20°C) | 2 weeks@ -20°C; 1 year @ -70°C |
Performance Information
Days and Time Performed | Batched weekly Monday-Friday |
Expected Turn Around Time | Batched Monday – Friday |
Expedited Availability | Same or next day expedited testing is available for Cardiac ICU and ECMO patients. For same day testing the patient sample must be received in the coagulation lab by 1300. Provider must call the coagulation lab at 882-1293 for expedited testing. |
Stat Availability | No |
Performing Bench | Coagulation |
Methodology/Method Description | Werfen ACL TOPS - Chromogenic Assay |
Additional Information/Important Notes
Platelet poor plasma must be used for this test.
After being spun down twice, separate plasma into 2 aliquot tubes and transport to University Hospital Laboratory frozen on dry ice.
CPT Codes
85300
Special Handling
Centrifugation: 5 minutes at 5000 rpm. Plasma must be centrifuged twice
(double spun) to remove platelets. (<10,000 mm3)
Aliases (synonyms)
Antithrombin Activity