Ordering Guidance

Coagulation testing is highly complex, often requiring the performance and correlation of factor XIII activity with multiple assays and correlation with clinical information. For that reason, if indicated, consider ordering ALBLD / Bleeding Diathesis Profile, Limited, Plasma.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation:

1. Fasting: 8 hours, preferred but not required

2. It is best to perform this study pre-plasma transfusion if possible. If patient has been recently transfused, wait at least 48 hours after transfusion before collecting the specimen.

3. Specimen should be collected prior to factor replacement therapy.

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

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL Platelet-poor plasma

Collection Instructions:

1. For complete instructions, see Coagulation Guidelines for Specimen Handling and Processing.

2. Centrifuge, transfer all plasma into a plastic vial, and centrifuge plasma again.

3. Aliquot plasma into a plastic vial, leaving 0.25 mL in the bottom of centrifuged vial.

4. 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.

2. Each coagulation assay requested should have its own vial.