CPT Code(s):
81240
Specimen Requirements:
One 4 mL lavender- (purple) top tube (EDTA).
- Frozen specimens
- Ambient: 72 hours
- Refrigerated: 1 week
Use:
Prothrombin is the precursor of the serine protease thrombin, a key enzyme in the process of hemostasis and thrombosis. A G to A transition at the nucleotide position 20210 of the prothrombin gene is a common polymorphism in Caucasian populations. Nucleotide 20210 corresponds to a location in the in the 3’-untranslated region of the mRNA. The prothrombin G20210A polymorphism is associated with elevated plasma prothrombin concentrations
(in the range of 115 - 130%) and an increased risk of venous thrombosis. Individuals heterozygous for the mutation have approximately a three-fold increased risk of thrombosis.
Methodology:
Polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) combined with agarose gel electrophoresis
Reported:
Within 10 days
Reference Values:
Negative for the prothrombin G20210A mutation
Performed:
Monday - Friday