Anticardiolipin Ab (APA)
Department: Coagulation
Test Synonym(s): LAB1735, Antiphospholipid antibody, Anticardiolipin Antibody, APA, ACL AB
Test Components: IgG, IgM
CPT Codes: 86147 x2
Methodology: ELISA (Enzyme-linked ImmunoSorbent Assay)
Reference Range: IgG: < 23 GPL, IgM: < 11 MPL
Tube Type: One 2.7mL Light blue top - 3.2% Sodium Citrate
Specimen: Citrated platelet poor plasma - Requires double centrifugation if sending a plasma aliquot. Aliquot(s) must be frozen if not received by lab within 8 hours of collection.
Alternate Specimen: None
Pediatric Requirements: Pediatric: One 2.7mL Light blue top - 3.2% Sodium Citrate. Neonatal: One 1.8mL Light blue top - 3.2% Sodium Citrate.
Volume: 1.0 mL plasma
Minimum Volume: 1.0 mL plasma
Temperature: Room Temperature for Light blue top tube, must be received within 8 hours of draw. Plasma aliquot(s) must be frozen if not received by lab within 8 hours of collection.
Stability: Refrigerated: 8 Hours, frozen at -70C: one month
Reasons for Rejection: Clotted sample, incorrectly filled tubes, incorrect tube type, grossly hemolyzed sample, grossly lipemic sample, grossly icteric sample, whole blood >8.0 hours old
Days Performed: Monday - Friday
Times Performed: Twice weekly. Request for inpatient testing must be approved by the Medical Director on call.
TAT: 1 - 3 days
Significance: Testing for the presence of a Antiphospholipid Antibodies is not recommended on inpatients due to an increased probability of false positive results. Testing should be performed in the outpatient setting. Request for inpatient testing must be approved by the Medical Director on call.
Special Instructions: Testing for the presence of a Lupus Anticoagulant is not recommended on inpatients due to an increased probability of false positive results. Testing should be performed in the outpatient setting. Indwelling line should be flushed with saline and 5.0 mL of blood discarded before collecting samples for coagulation assays. Tube must be full and not clotted. Deliver to lab immediately. Samples received from an outside lab must be aliquoted and frozen. Samples aliquoted for shipping must be double centrifuged prior to freezing. Grossly hemolyzed, icteric or lipemic samples may be rejected.
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