Test Overview
Clinical Utility
Vitamin K is a required co-factor for the synthesis of factors 2, 7, 9, and 10 and proteins C and S. Deficiencies of vitamin K lead to bleeding. Coumadin (warfarin) acts as an anticoagulant because it is a vitamin K antagonist.
Method
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Result Included
Vitamin K
Specimen
Specimen Type
Gel-separator tubes are not acceptableSerum
Plasma
Containers
Preferred Containers
Lavender top (EDTA)
Acceptable Containers
Red top (no additive)
Volume
Sample Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Comment
Avoid gel-separator tubes.
Patient Preparation
Fasting for a minimum of 8 hours required. Patient should refrain from eating liver and taking multivitamins or Vitamin K at least 24 hours before sample collection.
Collection & Handling
Handling Information
Separate within 1 hour of collection and transfer to amber vial to protect from light. Freeze immediately.
If unable to centrifuge immediately, sample should be covered with aluminum foil immediately and placed on ice until plasma can be separated from cells. Store and send frozen. Samples received frozen but not protected from light are acceptable.
Stability
| Ambient | Refrigerated | Frozen |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | 24 hours | 90 days |
If the specimen thaws, it is unsuitable for analysis.
Rejection Criteria
| Criteria | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hemolysis | Gross |
| Lipemia | Gross |
| Specimen | Not frozen or Gel tube |
Performance & Interpretation
Turnaround Time
10 days
Results
-
Vitamin Kpg/mL130 - 1500
Referral Location
Out-of-Country
Interface & Setup
HL7 Interface Codes
| Order Code | Result Name | Result Codes | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| VITK P | Vitamin K | 63045 | pg/mL |
Test Version
Last Updated
2022-12-15