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Protein C Activity

Justification

Reduced protein C may be seen in warfarin therapy, DIC, liver disease, acute infection, uremia, cancer, cancer therapy, vitamin K deficiency and when autoantibodies are present. Congenital or acquired deficiency of protein C are associated with venous thromboembolism and DVT. Increased levels of protein C can be seen in nephrotic syndrome, hyperlipidemia and with normal aging. Protein C is a Vitamin K-dependent plasma protein synthesized in the liver. In the activated state, protein C neutralizes the procoagulant activities of the factors Va and VIIIa in the presence of protein S, a vitamin K-dependent protein and cofactor of activated protein C. In inhibiting the factors Va and VIIIa, protein C helps to limit thrombus extension, and thus acts as a major regulator of the coagulation process.

STAT: < 24 hours (7 days a week)

Clot-based

Draw Tube: Blue Top

Sample Type: Citrated Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Sample Type Volume Required Minimum Volume Stability
PREFERRED Citrated Plasma 1mL 0.5mL Frozen (-20C): 2 weeks
Frozen (-80C): 6 months
ALTERNATIVE - - - -
REJECTION CRITERIA Thawed in transit, refrozen or clotted sample
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS -

General Information

METHODOLOGY Clot-based
STAT TAT < 24 hours (7 days a week)
STAT TAT Performance > 90% of results released in 24 hours 7 days a week
ROUTINE TAT < 3 days (M-F)
ALTERNATIVE NAMES PC
DESCRIPTION Protein C is activated in the presence of the specific activator extracted from Agkistrodon c. contortrix venom. The resulting activated protein C inhibits factors V and VIII, and thus prolongs the APTT of a system in which all factors are present, constant, and in excess, except protein C which is derived from the sample being tested.
LIMITATIONS -
NORMAL RANGE 63-143%
ASSOCIATED TESTING -
REFERENCES -
SAMPLE REPORT Upon request
NEW YORK STATE APPROVED -

Test Codes

ORDER CODE P3098
CPT CODE 85303
LOINC CODE 27819-2