Lupus anticoagulant
(LA)

• Sample Type

Plasma (sodium citrate)

• Uses

1. This test will help determine if the prolonged PTT is because of a specific inhibitor such as an antibody against a specific coagulation factor.

2. To diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome or an excessive clotting disorder called thrombophilia.

• Precautions

• The patient should not be on anticoagulant therapy:

Avoid warfarin therapy for two weeks prior to the test and heparin, direct Xa, and thrombin inhibitor therapies for about three days prior to testing.

• Interfering factors

Patients on heparin or heparin substitute (such as hirudin, danaparoid, or argatroban) anticoagulation therapy may have false-positive results for lupus anticoagulant.

• Pre analytical errors

1. Unlabeled sample

2. Error in patient preparation,

• Corrective actions

1. Reject sample not label.

2. Preparing patient before the test.

• Post analytical errors

1. Sent results to incorrect patient.

2. Delayed reporting.

• Corrective actions

1. Sending the report to the correct person.

2. Review the report before submitting it.