PTT Reagent Sensitivity for FVIII & FIX

Here is a question from Fiona McCall at Siemens:

Do laboratories investigate their normal PTT reference range routinely? I have concerns that laboratories try to determine the factor VIII & factor IX sensitivity of their PTT reagent without really knowing what is an abnormal PTT for their current PTT reagent lot number. Can anyone share with me the method they use for measuring the factor sensitivity of their PTT reagent.Your opinion on this would be greatly appreciated.

regards, Fiona McCall

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Case Report: von Willebrand Disease

Here is a von Willebrand disease care report and summary prepared by Drs. Marisa Marques and Rebecca Cook from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Laboratory Medicine Department: lab-medicine-vwd-case-report-8-20-09

High-speed Centrifugation and PPP

An interesting question about centrifugation from Warren Varden, Tech Specialist of UAB’s special coagulation laboratory.

Hey George:

We are currently validating a stat centrifuge for routine coagulation testing. This centrifuge is marketed specifically for producing PPP in coagulation. It spins at 8,000 rpm with an RCF of 6,153. One of the techs questioned if such a high rate would potentially damage the platelets releasing platelet factor 4 (PF4), thus compromising the plasma. Any thoughts or information on this subject?

Thanks, Warren Varden, UAB Coagulation Department, Birmingham, Al

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