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:
Anti-Thrombin III, as its name suggests, is a natural anticoagulant. It is a glycoprotein produced in the liver that inactivates several enzymes of the coagulation system. Heparin exerts its anticoagulant activity by potentiating the action of AT-III up to 1000 fold. Deficiencies are associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and poor response to Heparin anticoagulation. This assay is part of the Thrombophilia screen.
Specimen container paediatric:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Specimen container adult:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Minimum volume paediatric:
5.2mL
Minimum volume adult:
10.8mL
Special requirements:
Tube must be correctly filled to line, to ensure correct ratio of blood to anticoagulant, ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
4 hrs
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Availability:
All testing performed at Freeman Haematology laboratory and available during routine hours, Monday to Friday. Testing is usually performed on a weekly basis, depending on batch size availability.
Freq analysis:
As required or weekly
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Blood Coagulation
Reference ranges:
88 – 121IU/dL
Note: For Haemostatic tests, paediatric reference ranges may be different to adult ranges.
Other info:
Quantitative assay of antithrombin III as part of a thrombophilia screen.