Test Code A2PI Alpha-2 Plasmin Inhibitor, Plasma
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. For complete instructions, see Coagulation Guidelines for Specimen Handling and Processing.
2. Centrifuge, transfer all plasma into a plastic vial, and centrifuge plasma again.
3. Aliquot plasma into a plastic vial leaving 0.25 mL in the bottom of centrifuged vial.
4. Freeze plasma immediately (no longer than 4 hours after collection) at -20° C or, ideally, -40° C or below.
Additional Information:
1. 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.
Method Name
Chromogenic
Specimen Type
Plasma Na CitSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Plasma Na Cit | Frozen | 14 days |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Clinical Information
Alpha-2 plasmin inhibitor (antiplasmin) is synthesized in the liver with a biological half-life of approximately 3 days. It inactivates plasmin, the primary fibrinolytic enzyme responsible for remodeling the fibrin thrombus, and binds fibrin together with factor XIIIa making the clot more difficult to lyse. Absence of alpha-2 plasmin inhibitor results in uncontrolled plasmin-mediated breakdown of the fibrin clot and is associated with increased risk of bleeding.
Reference Values
Adults: 80-140%
Normal, full-term, and premature infants may have mildly decreased levels (≥50%) that reach adult levels within 90 days postnatal.*
*See Pediatric Hemostasis References section in Coagulation Guidelines for Specimen Handling and Processing.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
3 to 7 daysPerforming Laboratory

CPT Code Information
85410
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Coagulation Test Request (T753) with the specimen.