Lupus anticoagulant test

LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT TEST

DESCRIPTION – lupus anticoagulant test is a series of tests used to detect lupus anticoagulant in the blood. LA is an autoantibody associated with excess blood clot formation. LA testing may be used to help determine the cause of: an unexplained blood clot in a vein or artery

METHODOLOGY – electromagnetic mechanical clot detection

TURN AROUND TIME – 1-2 days

PATIENT PREPARATION –

COLLECT – light blue (sodium citrate).

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – transport 2 ml platelet-poor plasma to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – critical frozen

STABILITY – ambient: 4 hours; frozen: 3 months (-20 degrees C) or 18 months (-70 degrees C)

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS – serum. EDTA plasma, clotted or hemolyzed specimens

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS – clinical history is mandatory