Test Overview
Test Methodology

Immunoturbidometric

Test Usage

AT3 levels are used as a possible indicator of hypercoagulability, and to test for the hereditary deficiency of antithrombin. AT3 levels might also be of use in cases of suspected heparin failure especially prior to heparinization.

Reference Range *

71 - 121%

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

If a patient is on heparin therapy or has received heparin within the last 10 days, the results of this test may be falsely decreased. The AT3 level may be diminished for several days after surgery or a thrombotic event. Warfarin therapy has been reported to raise AT3 levels.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Tuesday
Analytic Time

1 hour

Soft Order Code
ATAGN
MiChart Code
Antithrombin III Antigen
Synonyms
    Laboratory
    Hematopathology
    Section
    Coagulation
    Specimen Requirements
    Collection Instructions

    Collect specimen in a blue top (citrate 3.2%) tube. Mix by inversion. Specimen should arrive at lab within 3 hours of collection; transport at room temperature. Alternatively, centrifuge, aliquot plasma into a plastic vial, and freeze the specimen within 4 hours of collection. Transport frozen specimen on dry ice. Collection of the blood through lines that have been previously flushed with heparin should be avoided. If the blood must be drawn through a VAD (vascular access device), the line should be flushed with 5 mL of saline and the first 5 mL of blood or six dead space volumes of the VAD discarded.

    Contraindications
    Test is not indicated for patients on heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, or direct thrombin inhibitor therapy. This test is not indicated for inpatient evaluation of acute thrombosis.
    Normal Volume
    Full 2.7mL tube or 1mL plasma aliquot
    Minimum Volume
    Full 1.8mL tube or 1mL plasma aliquot
    Storage Temperature
    Room temperature for whole blood or frozen aliquot of citrated plasma.
    Rejection Criteria
    Specimens will be rejected if not properly filled, clotted, grossly hemolyzed, or contaminated with heparin.
    Additional Information

    Individuals with hereditary AT3 deficiency will show resistance to anticoagulation with heparin but can be anticoagulated with warfarin. Decreased AT3 levels may be found in women taking oral contraceptives, in conditions associated with \"consumption\" of coagulation proteins (pulmonary embolism, thrombophlebitis, acute myocardial infarction, and DIC), and in liver disease.

    Billing
    CPT Code
    85301
    Fee Code
    31136
    NY State Approved
    No