Determination of thrombin time (TT) in blood plasma on the analyser

Thrombin time (TT) is the period of time required for the formation of a fibrin clot in blood plasma when thrombin and calcium are added to it. The test result depends only on the level of fibrinogen and the activity of thrombin inhibitors (paraproteins, heparin, antithrombin III). The analysis displays the functioning of phase III of hemostasis (fibrin formation), as well as the state of pathologic and natural anticoagulants.

The physiological function of thrombin is to transform the inactive form of fibrinogen into the active form.

The main purpose of this test is to control the blood coagulation system when selecting doses of anticoagulants (direct-acting antiplatelet agents). In this case, the TT is usually increased by 2-3 times. Thrombolytic therapy in the hospital requires control of TT every 4 hours.

TT is directly related to the concentration of fibrinogen as with its decrease, there is a significant prolongation of thrombin time. A similar situation is observed with a normal amount of defective fibrinogen (laboratory displays the physiologic level of fibrinogen).

Read more: “”Coagulogram and its indicators“”