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PLASMA THROMBIN TIME (THROMBIN CLOTTING TIME)

Purpose of the test:
Detects fibrinogen deficiency or defect
Helps confirm diagnosis of DIC and liver disease
Monitors effectiveness of heparin, streptokinase, or urokinase treatment

Patient preparation:
None required

Time before test results available:
Test requires only a few minutes in the laboratory. Time before results are reported to the doctor or patient varies from a few minutes to a few days.

Normal values:
Thrombin times range from 10 to 15 seconds. Test results are usually reported with a normal-control value.

What "high" or "increased" may indicate:
Dysfibrinogenemia
Effective heparin therapy
Liver disease
Hypofibrinogenemia
If DIC is suspected, an additional test for fibrin split products is also necessary

Taking these drugs may affect test results:
Anti-coagulants
Heparin

Other factors that may affect test results:
If tourniquet is applied on the arm too long (over 1 minute), it may cause an inaccurate test result. Request another sample to be collected to ensure accuracy.


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