Vitamin K (Blood)

Referring Laboratory

LabPLUS - Chromatography

Testing Laboratory

Canterbury Health Laboratories Christchurch Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

VITK

Test Code (Numeric Code)

3066

This test may be vetted by the laboratory. Please include relevant clinical information on the request form to ensure appropriate tests are approved. See the 'Clinical Information' section on the testing laboratory's test guide for more information on the indications for testing.

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below
• Plain (Red Top)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

2

Specimen Collection:
Collect blood in a plain (red top) tube. Wrap in foil immediately to protect from light. EDTA and heparinised blood samples unsuitable.

Lab note:
Separate and freeze within 4 hours of collection. Minimum aliquot 1 mL serum. Protect from light. Store and transport frozen.

Units: ug/L
Reference range: 0.09-2.12

Diagnostic Use and Interpretation
Vitamin K deficiency may cause a bleeding tendency in patients with fat malabsorption. Deficiency is very uncommon and therefore testing should only be performed after careful consideration of the cost and long turnaround time. This test is NOT preferred for monitoring warfarin treatment (see INR).

Any queries please contact the Section Leader/Technical Specialist SCP- Chromatography

Specimen Transport Instructions for Referring Laboratories:
Test is performed at CHL- please refer to the CHL link for sendaway protocol

Contact Information