PROTIME
Prothrombin Time (PT)
EPIC Test Procedure Code: LAB2363
Synonyms:
INR
Performing Lab:
Saint Luke's Regional Laboratories
Container Type:
Light blue top (sodium citrate) tube
Specimen Type:
Platelet Poor Plasma
Preferred Volume:
2 mL
Minimum Volume:
1 mL
Collection Procedure:
Specimen Processing:
1. Centrifuge specimen in a centrifuge that has been validated to ensure platelet poor plasma.
2. Immediately transfer the plasma to a stoppered, plastic tube and centrifuge again for 10 minutes.
3. Transfer the supernatant plasma into a screw-capped, plastic vial and send at ≤ -20 °C, if possible.
4. If unable to centrifuge, forward unprocessed sodium citrate whole blood (minimum volume: 2 mL) to the laboratory promptly at room temperature only.
Store and Transport:
Plasma - frozen (unless performed at your facility)
Stability:
Whole blood specimens are stable for 24 hours.
CPT Codes:
85610 - Prothrombin Time (EAP 30020286)
Test Schedule:
Monday through Sunday
Reference Ranges:
Protime:
11.4 - 15.0
seconds
INR:
0.8 - 1.2
INR Critical Value:
≥ 5.0