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 :
Coagulation factor inhibitors may develop in patients with congenital factor deficiencies who are receiving factor replacement therapy if their immune system recognises the product as a foreign protein, they may also develop in previously normal individuals (acquired factor deficiency). Inhibitors when present complicate therapy and may be the cause of a signficant bleeding disorder. Patients on replacement therapy are screened for inhibitor development every 3 – 6 months as part of the routine monitoring. Inhibitors when present need to be differentiated from non-specific inhibitors such as Lupus Anticoagulant and also need to be quantified if they are directed against a specific coagulation factor (see Inhibitor Titre)
Specimen container paediatric :
Light blue – sodium citrate
Specimen container adult :
Light blue – sodium citrate
Minimum volume paediatric :
1.3mL
Minimum volume adult :
2.7mL
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 :
Available during routine hours, Monday to Friday.Requests during out of hours should be discussed with a member of the Haematology medical staff.
Freq analysis :
As required or weekly
Add on test :
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance :
UK NEQAS Blood Coagulation
Interpretation :
Not specified
Reference ranges :
Normal = Negative
Factors affecting result :
Not specified
Referenced documents :
Not specified
Other info :
Helps to distinguish whether prolonged coagulation times are due to the presence of inhibitor which interferes with coagulation factors.