The effect of lupus anticoagulant in the second-generation assay for activated protein C resistance

Am J Clin Pathol. 2003 Jan;119(1):66-71. doi: 10.1309/1GN6-NTM7-BQAP-8VKX.

Abstract

The activated protein C resistance (APCR) assay is the test of choice to screen for factor V Leiden. We evaluated the effect of lupus anticoagulant on the baseline clotting time of the second-generation APCR assay with plasma samples from 54 patients to determine whether a falsely low APCR ratio could be predicted. We also assessed whether a modification of the assay could make it more reliable in the presence of strong lupus anticoagulants. Of 54 plasma samples, 5 yielded a false-positive APCR ratio, and all 5 had a prolonged baseline clotting time. Further dilution (1:40) of the plasma samples in factor V-deficient plasma led to correction of the APCR ratio and did not affect the sensitivity of the test for factor V Leiden. Our data support that the baseline clotting time is a good predictor of a false-positive APCR test result and should be checked before calculating the ratio. The modified APCR assay reliably identified the false-positive ratios and could be used to screen for factor V Leiden in samples with strong lupus anticoagulant.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Activated Protein C Resistance / blood
  • Activated Protein C Resistance / diagnosis*
  • Adult
  • Blood Coagulation Tests / methods*
  • Factor V / analysis
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / blood
  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / physiology*
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • factor V Leiden
  • Factor V