Activated Partial Prothrombin Time (APTT) / Platelet Count (CBC) / Prothrombin Time (PT)
Performed:
Daily
Released:
Same day as tested
CPT Code:
85049 / 85610 / 85730
Specimen Collection Details
Collection:
Two specimens required: One 4.5 mL light blue top tube (sodium citrate) and one 4 mL lavender top tube (EDTA). Fill tube to maximum draw, at least 90% full. Mix by gentle inversion.
Handling:
Due to short stability specimens must either be sent STAT to arrive at the laboratory within 4 hours, or sent frozen. For STAT delivery, refrigerate and send whole blood in unopened tube. Call for STAT pick-up. For standard delivery, centrifuge to produce platelet-poor plasma (at least 1700 X G for 15 minutes) and with a plastic pipette, transfer the top 2/3 of the plasma into a plastic vial. Label tubes with patient name, I.D. number, test, and “citrated plasma.” Freeze immediately. Send to laboratory within 7 days. The EDTA tube must be submitted as refrigerated whole blood. If multiple tests are ordered, freeze a separate aliquot for this test.
Stability:
4 hours ambient or refrigerated, or 7 days frozen.
Standard Volume:
4.5 mL light blue top tube (or 2 mL plasma) and 4 mL lavender top tube (EDTA).
Minimum Volume:
2 mL light blue top tube (or 1 mL plasma) and 1 mL lavender top tube (EDTA).
Transport:
Original tubes refrigerated if sent STAT; or plasma frozen on dry ice.
Comments:
When drawing from heparinized lines, withdraw slowly and discard at least 10 mL of blood to clear before drawing specimen. Heparin interferes with most clotting assays. DO NOT draw blood into an empty syringe and transfer into a vacutainer tube. Instead, begin by aspirating citrate anticoagulant from a blue top vacutainer into a plastic syringe, perform the venipuncture, and aspirate blood in a ratio of 1 part citrate to 9 parts blood: 0.3 mL citrate + 2.7 mL blood = 3.0 total sample; 0.4 mL citrate + 3.6 mL blood = 4.0 mL total sample. Mix by gentle inversion.
Rejection Criteria:
Serum; visible fibrin; moderate to marked hemolysis; specimen received in laboratory beyond the stated stability.
MEDICARE MAY REQUIRE A SIGNED ADVANCE BENEFICIARY NOTICE (ABN) FOR THIS TEST
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