Clinical Chemistry and Immunochemistry Tests Requiring Citrate Plasma in a Medical Laboratory Setting
Summary
- Citrate plasma is commonly used in medical laboratories for various clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests.
- Tests that require the use of citrate plasma include coagulation assays, liver function tests, and specific immunochemistry assays.
- The proper collection and handling of citrate plasma samples are crucial to ensure accurate Test Results in a medical laboratory setting.
Clinical Chemistry and Immunochemistry Tests Requiring Citrate Plasma in a Medical Laboratory Setting
Introduction
In a medical laboratory setting, various clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests are conducted to diagnose diseases, monitor treatment effectiveness, and assess overall patient health. One common type of specimen used for these tests is citrate plasma, which is crucial for specific assays. This article aims to explore the specific clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests that require the use of citrate plasma in the United States.
Coagulation Assays
Citrate plasma is commonly used for coagulation assays to evaluate how well blood clots. The most widely performed coagulation test using citrate plasma is the Prothrombin Time (PT) test, which measures how long it takes for blood to clot. Other coagulation assays that require citrate plasma include:
- Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) test
- Thrombin Time test
- D-Dimer test
Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests are essential for evaluating the overall health and function of the liver. Citrate plasma is used in specific liver function tests to measure the levels of various enzymes and proteins in the blood. Some common liver function tests that require citrate plasma include:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test
- Bilirubin test
Specific Immunochemistry Assays
In addition to coagulation assays and liver function tests, citrate plasma is also used in specific immunochemistry assays to measure the presence of various antibodies or antigens in the blood. Some immunochemistry tests that require citrate plasma include:
- Antiphospholipid antibody test
- Factor V Leiden mutation test
- von Willebrand factor antigen test
- ADAMTS13 activity assay
Collection and Handling of Citrate Plasma Samples
Proper collection and handling of citrate plasma samples are crucial to ensure accurate Test Results in a medical laboratory setting. The following steps should be followed when collecting and handling citrate plasma samples:
- Use a syringe or vacutainer tube containing citrate as the anticoagulant.
- Fill the tube with the appropriate amount of blood, ensuring proper mixing of the citrate with the blood sample.
- Centrifuge the tube to separate the plasma from the cellular components of the blood.
- Transfer the citrate plasma to a labeled storage container and store it at the recommended temperature until testing.
Conclusion
Citrate plasma plays a crucial role in various clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests conducted in medical laboratory settings in the United States. Tests such as coagulation assays, liver function tests, and specific immunochemistry assays require the use of citrate plasma to ensure accurate and reliable results. Proper collection and handling of citrate plasma samples are essential to maintain the integrity of the specimens and obtain precise Test Results. By understanding the specific tests that require the use of citrate plasma and following best practices for sample collection and handling, medical laboratory professionals can ensure the quality of diagnostic testing for their patients.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on the topics. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.