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Test ID: ATTF    
Antithrombin Activity, Plasma

Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

This assay is performed on the Beckman Coulter ACL TOP. Patient plasma, containing antithrombin, is mixed and incubated with reagent containing factor Xa and excess heparin. Factor Xa activity in the reagent is rapidly inhibited by antithrombin. Residual factor Xa activity is then measured using an amidolytic activity assay. This occurs when residual factor Xa lyses chromogenic substrate S-2765 (N-a-Z-D-Arg-Gly-Arg-pNA 2HCI) and subsequently releases pNA (detected at 405 nm) in a level that is inversely proportional to the amount of antithrombin in the sample. This method is based on inhibition of factor Xa and, therefore, only higher amounts of heparin cofactor II, alpha-2-macroglobulin, or alpha-1-antitrypsin will influence the assay. (Demers C, Henderson P, Blajchman MA, et al: An antithrombin III assay based on Factor Xa inhibition provides a more reliable test to identify congenital antithrombin III deficiency than an assay based on thrombin inhibition. Thromb Haemost 1993;69:231-235 Bohner J, von Pape KW, Laurock M: Thrombin-based antithrombin assays show overestimation of antithrombin III activity in patients on heparin therapy due to heparin cofactor II influence. Thromb Haemost 1994;71:280-283)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

1 day

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

3 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

7 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester