Additional Info: Warfarin: Monitoring of this anticoagulant therapy is best achieved by Protime (PT) testing and the subsequent calculation of the INR.
Methodology: Immunological- ACL TOP550
Stat: Available STAT
Specimen Requirements: 1 blue-top (citrate) tube (minimum: the remaining platelet-poor plasma separated from 2.7 ml whole blood). Fill tube to capacity. It is suggested to keep the time of collection consistent, preferably 16-18 hours after dose. Specimen may remain at room temperature, unspun if delivered to the lab the same day as collection.
NOTE:
If using a butterfly collection set, fill a 1 mL waste tube prior to blue-top. This ensures full blood volume in blue-top.
Tube must be filled to capacity.
If unable to send specimen same day as collection, centrifuge at full speed for 15 minutes. Take the top 1.0 mL of plasma and place into a plastic transport vial. (Glass tubes are not acceptable.) Freeze specimen.
The following foods should be eaten on a consistent and regular basis if you choose to include these healthy foods in your diet. Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collard greens, Endive, Green scallion, Kale, Dark green leaf lettuce, Liver, Mustard greens, Onions, Parsley, Soybeans and oil, Spinach, Turnip greens, Watercress, and Wheat bran.
Avoid green and herbal teas that have tonka beans, melilot (sweet clover), or sweet woodruff in them.
Refrain from algae (seaweed) supplements (found in vitamin additives or natural food stores).
See “Patient Information” section in back of manual for more complete dietary information
Analytical Time: 1 day
Days Set Up: Monday through Sunday
CPT Information:
85610 –