Accurate filling of specimen tube essential.    
All collections that include Coagulation testing must be sent to the laboratory in a BLUE specimen bag.
Please ask the patient what anticoagulants they are on and the dose, record on request form.

The ECHIS test is used to differentiate liver disease from Vit K deficiency/Vit K antagonism as a possible cause of a prolonged PT. Both active and inactive Vit K-dependent factors are decreased in liver disease, resulting in a prolonged PT AND prolonged ECHIS time. Vit K deficiency/antagonism results in a reduced ACTIVE form but the INACTIVE form is normal or increased; PT is prolonged but ECHIS time is normal. [ECHIS venom activates both the functionally inactive and the carboxylated active F II (prothrombin) to thrombin.]