Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
ADAMTS13 is a serine protease which controls the eventual size of the vW multimer that is in the circulation. Deficiencies of ADAMTS13 leads to Ultra Large vWM (UL-VWM) circulating in the bloodstream, the size of these molecules mean that they can cross-link non activated platelets and generate spontaneous thromboses. This can lead to Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) which is a disorder with a potential high mortality. Deficiencies in ADAMTS13 may be congenital (Upshaw Schulman syndrome), which gives a recurring form, or acquired due to formation of auto-antibodies which give an acute disease.
Specimen container paediatric:
Light blue (under clear cap) – sodium citrate
Specimen container adult:
Light blue -sodium citrate
Minimum volume paediatric:
1.8 mL (whole blood)
Minimum volume adult:
2.7 ml
Special requirements:
Tube must be correctly filled to line, to ensure correct ratio of blood to anticoagulant, ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
2 citrated blood samples to arrive in the Blood Sciences laboratory at RVI within 48 hrs of sample collection as uncentrifuged whole blood stored at room temperature.
OR
Double spin citrated plasma at 2000G and separate into 4 aliquots. Freeze immediately at -70°C. and send frozen on dry ice.
Transport requirements:
Please telephone the laboratory before sending samples. Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Availability:
Acustar – RVI site only. Available upon request. All urgent requests must be discussed with a Haematology SpR or Consultant first. ELISA – Freeman site only – only available upon request (Monday-Friday only)
Freq analysis:
On request
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UKNEQAS
Reference ranges:
ELISA activity assay: 40 – 130 IU/dL
AcuStar activity assay: 60 – 130 IU/dL