Ordering Guidance

This assay is not indicated for monitoring low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) concentrations. The presence of UFH and LMWH will cause the apixaban anti-Xa level to be falsely elevated.

This assay is optimized to measure apixaban concentration in presence of coagulation factor Xa recombinant, inactivated-zhzo (andexanet alfa, Andexxa).

Necessary Information

Specimen Required

Specimen Type: Platelet-poor plasma

Collection Container/Tube: Light-blue top (3.2% sodium citrate)

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Specimen should be collected 2 to 4 hours (peak) after a dose or just prior (trough) to the next dose for apixaban concentrations.

2. For complete instructions, see Coagulation Guidelines for Specimen Handling and Processing.

3. Centrifuge, transfer all plasma into a plastic vial, and centrifuge plasma again.

4. Aliquot plasma into a plastic vial leaving 0.25 mL in the bottom of centrifuged vial.

5. Freeze plasma immediately (no longer than 4 hours after collection) at -20° C or, ideally, ≤-40° C.

Additional Information:

1. A double-centrifuged specimen is critical for accurate results as platelet contamination may cause spurious results.

2. Each coagulation assay requested should have its own vial.