Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
- EDTA Plasma
- Li Hep Plasma
Sample Processing in Laboratory
Usual to BHH and First class post to Ref LabSample Preparation
IMPORTANT Vitamin K is highly light sensitive so protect from strong light at all times.Turnaround Time
10 daysSample Stability
Protect from light
Whole blood collected into sealed vacuum tubes, protected from light can be stored at 4°C for 24-48 hours without detectable loss of the vitamin.
Vitamin K
General Information
Sample required: serum or plasma
Vitamin K refers to two naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin K1 and vitamin K2. Vitamin K1 is also known as phylloquinone or phytomenadione (phytonadione), while vitamin K2 includes menaquinone and menatetrenone
Vitamin K1 is made by plants. Vitamin K2 is typically produced in the large intestine by bacteria. Experts say that unless the individual has intestinal damage which undermines their ability to absorb the vitamin, dietary deficiency is extremely rare.
Vitamin K deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency is extremely rare in healthy adults.
Newborn infants may have a higher risk until their intestinal bacteria start production. Vitamin K deficiency among infants is potentially dangerous because it can lead to bleeding in the brain and other vital organs.
Patients with liver damage or disease, alcoholics, those with cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, as well as those who have had surgical procedures in their abdomen have a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency.
Some people with eating disorders, such as bulimia have a higher risk of vitamin K deficiency, as well as individuals on very severe or strict diets.
Patients taking anticoagulants, salicylates, barbiturates, or cefamandole may also have a higher risk.
Signs and symptoms of vitamin K deficiency may include:
-Heavy menstrual bleeding
-Anemia
-Nose bleeds
-Bleeding gums
-Osteoporosis is strongly linked to low vitamin K2 levels
-Coronary heart disease is strongly linked to low vitamin K2 levels
Patient Preparation
Ideally collect venous blood after overnight fast, use plain tubes or suitable anticoagulant e.g. heparin and separate serum
Notes
To exclude the influence of recent dietary intake it is preferable that blood samples should be collected after an overnight fast.
Venous blood (4-5 mL) should be collected from a peripheral vein into plain tubes (serum) or tubes containing a suitable anticoagulant such as EDTA or heparin (plasma) and the tubes inverted 8-10 times without shaking to ensure proper anticoagulation.
Whole blood collected into sealed vacuum tubes, protected from light can be stored at 4°C for 24-48 hours without detectable loss of the vitamin.
Reference Range
Provided by Ref Lab.
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
- EQA Status: KEQAS