Test Code ATTF Antithrombin Activity, Plasma
Additional Codes
CNE Order Code:ThrombIIIAb W
Reporting Name
Antithrombin Activity, PUseful For
Diagnosis of antithrombin deficiency, acquired or congenital
Monitoring treatment of antithrombin deficiency disorders, including infusion of antithrombin therapeutic concentrate
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterSpecimen Type
Plasma Na CitOrdering Guidance
Coagulation testing is highly complex, often requiring the performance of multiple assays and correlation with clinical information. For that reason, consider ordering AATHR / Thrombophilia Profile, Plasma and Whole Blood.
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Platelet-poor plasma
Collection Container/Tube: Light-blue top (3.2% sodium citrate)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. For complete instructions, see Coagulation Guidelines for Specimen Handling and Processing.
2. Centrifuge, transfer all plasma into a plastic vial, and centrifuge plasma again.
3. Aliquot plasma into a plastic vial leaving 0.25 mL in the bottom of centrifuged vial.
4. Freeze plasma immediately (no longer than 4 hours after collection) at -20° C or, ideally at -40° C or below.
Additional Information:
1. A double-centrifuged specimen is critical for accurate results as platelet contamination may cause spurious results.
2. Each coagulation assay requested should have its own vial.
3. Heparin treatment may lower plasma antithrombin.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Plasma Na Cit | Frozen | 14 days |
Special Instructions
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
CPT Code Information
85300
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ATTF | Antithrombin Activity, P | 27811-9 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
ATTF | Antithrombin Activity, P | 27811-9 |
Interpretation
Antithrombin deficiencies due to inherited causes are much less common than those due to acquired causes (see Clinical Information). Diagnosis of hereditary deficiency requires clinical correlation, with the prospect of repeat testing (including antithrombin antigen assay), and family studies (with appropriate counseling). DNA-based diagnostic testing may be helpful, see GNANT / Antithrombin Deficiency, SERPINC1 Gene, Next-Generation Sequencing, Varies.
The clinical significance (thrombotic risk) of acquired antithrombin deficiency is not well established, but accumulating information suggests possible benefit of antithrombin replacement therapy in carefully selected situations.(4)
Antithrombin deficiency, acquired or congenital, may contribute to the phenomenon of "heparin therapy resistance" (requirement of larger heparin doses than expected for achievement of therapeutic anticoagulation responses). However, it may more often have other pathophysiology, such as "acute-phase" elevation of coagulation factor VIII or plasma heparin-binding proteins.
Increased antithrombin activity is of unknown hemostatic significance. Direct factor Xa inhibitors, rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), and edoxaban (Savaysa) may falsely elevate the antithrombin activity and mask a diagnosis of antithrombin deficiency.
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Method Name
Chromogenic Assay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Coagulation Test Request (T753) with the specimen.
Reference Values
Normal values: 80-130%
Normal, full-term newborn infants have lower levels (≥35-40%) that reach normal values by age 90 days. Premature infants (30-36 weeks gestation) have lower levels that reach normal values by age 180 days.