| Test Name: | Protein C Antigen |
| Epic Order Code: | LAB489 |
| CPT Code: | 85302 | | |
| Specimen(s) Type: | Plasma; Full tube required |
| Acceptable Container(s): |  Top is light blue. |
| Testing Schedule: | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Turn Around Time: | STAT: NA |
| | Routine: 2-7 days |
| Collection Information: | No special patient preparation is required. Obtain specimen by standard collection procedures. If only Protein C Ag is being collected, draw 5 mL into a red top tube, discard and then collect Protein C Ag tube. A full tube is required. |
| Transport Information: | Deliver to lab immediately. All specimens must be signed into the laboratory. |
| Reference Clients: | If unable to deliver to the lab within 1 hour, centrifuge the specimen for 10 minutes at 3500 RPM to ensure platelet poor plasma. Remove plasma from cells, taking care to avoid the WBC/platelet buffy layer and place into a transport tube. Store and transport at 2-8° C for up to 3 hours. If testing is delayed beyond this, the sample must be stored and transported frozen at -20° C and delivered to lab within 2 weeks. |
| Causes for Rejection: | Improperly labeled, incorrect container, contaminated, insufficient quantity, incorrect/delay in transport, grossly hemolyzed, clotted, under or over-filled tube, interference by heparin or Factor VIII. |
| Reference Range: | > 55% |
| Additional Information: | Patients on coumadin or who are vitamin K deficient may have decreased levels. |