Coagulation testing
Coagulation Testing
Coagulation testing (pronunciation: koh-ag-yuh-ley-shuhn tes-ting) is a type of medical test used to assess the blood's ability to clot. It is often used to diagnose and monitor bleeding disorders, thrombotic disorders, and to monitor the effects of anticoagulant therapy.
Etymology
The term "coagulation" comes from the Latin word "coagulare", which means "to curdle". "Testing" is derived from the Old French "test", meaning "small vessel".
Types of Coagulation Tests
There are several types of coagulation tests, including:
- Prothrombin Time (PT): This test measures the time it takes for a clot to form in the blood. It is often used to monitor patients on warfarin therapy.
- Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT): This test measures the time it takes for blood to clot when certain factors are added. It is often used to monitor patients on heparin therapy.
- Thrombin Time (TT): This test measures the time it takes for fibrinogen in the blood to be converted to fibrin, the final step in the clotting process.
- Fibrinogen Tests: These tests measure the amount of fibrinogen in the blood. Fibrinogen is a protein that is essential for blood clotting.
Related Terms
- Hemostasis: The process of stopping bleeding, which involves the activation of the coagulation cascade.
- Anticoagulant: A substance that prevents or reduces coagulation of the blood, prolonging the clotting time.
- Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system.
- Hemophilia: A group of hereditary genetic disorders that impair the body's ability to control blood clotting.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Coagulation testing
- Wikipedia's article - Coagulation testing
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