Platelet-poor plasma

1. Blood should be collected in a blue top tube containing 3.2% buffered sodium citrate. Evacuated collection tubes must be filled to completion to ensure a proper blood to anticoagulant ratio.
2. The sample should be mixed immediately by gentle inversion at least 6 times to ensure adequate mixing of the anticoagulant with the blood. A discard tube is NOT required prior to collection.
3. When non-citrated tubes are collected for other tests, collect sterile and non-additive (red top) tubes prior to citrate (blue top) tubes. Gel barrier and serum tubes should be collected after citrate tubes.  Any tube containing an alternate anticoagulant should be collected after the blue top tube.
4. If the patient's hematocrit exceeds 55%, the volume of citrate in the collection tube must be adjusted. Refer to the testing laboratory's coagulation collection procedures for instructions.

Citrated plasma samples should be collected by double centrifugation.

1. Centrifuge for 10 minutes and carefully remove 2/3 of the plasma using a plastic transfer pipette, being careful not to disturb the cells.
2. Deliver to a plastic transport tube, cap, and re-centrifuge for 10 minutes.
3. Use a second pipette to remove the plasma, staying clear of the platelets at the bottom of the tube.
4. Transfer the plasma to a plastic transport tube with screw cap.
5. Freeze immediately and maintain frozen until tested.

Frozen - 14 days
Refrigerated - 2 hours

Plasma specimens received at the testing laboratory unfrozen will be rejected.

85415 - Plasminogen ACT Inhibitor-1 Ag (EAP 30021228)