FACTOR XIII (089-0013)

Synonyms: Fibrin Stabilizing Factor

CPT 4 Code:  85290

Test Order Mnemonic: FACTORXIII

Applies To: Qualitative measurement of Factor XIII which, when present, stabilizes a fibrin clot.

Lab: Hematopathology

Request Form: Hematology A

Collection: Routine venipuncture. Discard 1st ml of blood or collect other tubes (EDTA, Serum-separator, etc.) prior to collecting sample in citrate (blue-top tube).

Storage Instructions: Viable for 4 hours at room temperature. If time from draw to delivery is to be greater than 4 hours, centrifuge the sample, separate the plasma from cells, and snap freeze (-70°C)  the plasma. Snap frozen plasma is viable indefinitely.

Causes for Rejection: 3.8% sodium citrate tube, QNS, clotted, severely hemolyzed, greater than 4 hours old, identification error, processed and/or stored improperly.

Availability: Accepted 24 hours/day at Sample Management, Room 5.136 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: 24 hours

Special Instructions: Deliver sample to lab within ½ hour for best results. Accepted up to 4 hours.

Specimen: Blood

Volume: 4.5 ml

Min Volume: Call Lab

Container: 3.2% Sodium citrate tube (light Blue top tube)  [NOTE: 3.8% sodium citrate tubes will NOT be accepted.]

Reference Range: Normal = no lysis after 24 hours

Test Method: Clot Solubility with 5M Urea

Interfering Substances: Heparin, Fibrin split products, Factor XIII antibodies

Reviewed  10/11/07 by W.Russo, MT(ASCP)