Plasma thrombin time is measured to assess blood clotting disorders, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) liver diseases, and patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy.
More information
During hemostasis, the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways lead to the activation of coagulation factor X. This leads to the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Thrombin then stimulates the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen. This fibrin, with the addition of a fibrin stabilizing factor, forms a stable fibrin clot at the site of injury. Thrombin time (TT) measures the time it takes for a blood sample to form a clot when thrombin is added to the sample. Thrombin time is longer than expected when abnormalities in converting fibrinogen to fibrin occur.
Possible Interpretations of Pathological Values
- Increase: Acute leukemia, aneuploidy, amyloidosis, cirrhosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), dysfibrinogenemia, epistaxis, coagulation factor deficiency, fibrinogenopenia, lymphoma, obstetric complications, polycythemia vera, shock, stress. Medications: Asparaginase, fibrin degradation products, heparin, streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), urokinase
- Decrease: Thrombocytosis
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most critical parameter for diagnosing and monitoring all pathological conditions. Between 70 to 80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correctly interpreting laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased."
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be analyzed based on each case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon, we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and contact your doctor to ensure you receive the best possible medical care.
