Peptide C (Serum, measured by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
This test measures a specific protein fragment, Peptide C, in your blood. It helps assess how well your liver is processing certain proteins involved in blood clotting.
["Peptide C levels can help diagnose and monitor liver disease and blood clotting disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25568-7
- Short code
- C peptide sp10 p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- C peptide sp10 p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of liver disease (such as fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain) or if you have a known liver condition like cirrhosis or hepatitis. It may also be used to evaluate blood clotting disorders or to monitor treatment for conditions affecting protein production in the liver.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test if your lab requires it, but this is not always the case. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight sting, but it usually goes away quickly. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history and symptoms. Abnormal levels may indicate liver dysfunction, clotting issues, or other underlying health conditions. Your provider will discuss the findings with you during your follow-up visit.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Peptide C is a marker derived from the processing of prothrombin in the liver. Low levels may suggest liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, where protein synthesis is impaired. Elevated levels can sometimes indicate blood clotting disorders or other metabolic conditions. Regular monitoring of Peptide C can help track disease progression or treatment effectiveness.
Short name
Peptide C Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes Peptide C levels to change?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or medications affect Peptide C levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy