Specimen Requirements
Title
Vitamin K
Specimen Requirement
Collect SST/1.0 mL serum, after 30 minutes of clotting promptly centrifuge and transfer serum to an amber screw top plastic vial, indicate sample type on tube.
Alternate collection:
Collect lavender EDTA, red top or lithium heparin, centrifuge, transfer 1.0 mL serum/plasma to an amber screw top plastic vial, indicate sample type on tube and send.
Protect from light.
Patient preparation:
Overnight (12-hour) patient fasting is required. Consumption of supplements or food with Vitamin K may elevate plasma concentrations of Vitamin K1 for testing.
Methodology
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)
Stability
Room temp: 7 days, Refrigerated: 14 days, Frozen: 28 days
Reference Range
The reference range is determined by the performing laboratory and will show on the report.
Turnaround
4-6 days
Clinical Use
This test is used for the assessment of vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K deficiency may be induced by obstructive liver disease, obstructive icterus, malabsorption due to celiac disease, pancreatitis, diarrhea, and antibiotic abuse; may be used to treat blood clotting disorders, bone metabolism disorders, and hemorrhagic disorders of newborns.
Test Code
VKW