Since the first report of a hereditary deficiency of AT III and its consequences in 1965, AT III has been considered an important parameter in spontaneous thromboembolic disorders. The hereditary deficiency, either quantitative or qualitative, is less common than the acquired deficiency. An acquired AT III deficiency has been described in DIC, septic shock, nephrotic syndrome, liver disease and in L-asparaginase treatments.

Two (2) Lt blue Sodium citrate (Na Cit) - 2.7mL tubes

If the patient has a hematocrit >55, a specially prepared Lt blue Sodium citrate (NaCit) tube must be used in place of the standard Lt blue Sodium citrate (NaCit) tube.

Hematocrit-Anticoagulant adjustments

• Do not over or under fill tube as the ratio of anticoagulant to whole blood is critical

Coag – tube fill guidelines

• Immediatley following collection, mix sample by gentle inversion 3 - 4 times to prevent clotting

• Process Platelet Poor Plasma (P.P.P)

Coag – how to prepare a specimen for special coagulation testing

• Transfer plasma into an aliquot tube using a spot label "NaCit Plasma P.P.P" to label as platelet poor plasma
• Freeze immediately

Microcentrifuge vial/tube in a Snap cap conical vial/tube and cap (Beaker sites)

Coagulation specimen transport vial/tube  (all other sites)

Frozen (strict) - 2 weeks

Refrigerated - NO

• Improper label (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Improper anticoagulant
• Improperly filled tube
• Hemolysis
• Clotted specimen
• Delay in transport
• Improper storage/transport temperature
• Patients on heparin >1.0 IU/mL
• Plasma samples not completely frozen

Chromogenic

Guidance for the evaluation and treatment of hereditary and acquired thrombophilia