Tests we Offer

PT stands for prothrombin time. Prothrombin is a protein that our liver produces to aid in clotting. Our blood usually takes 25-30 seconds to clot unless we are on blood thinners, and if Prothrombin time is too short or too long, clotting is out of balance. The normal prothrombin time range is 10-14 seconds. Prothrombin also goes along with another blood test called an INR, which stands for International Normalized Ratio. INR measures the amount of time it takes to form a clot. Results are given in several seconds. Another test that goes along with these is called the aPTT, which stands for activated partial thromboplastin time, another set of clotting factors. Sometimes, these tests are used to monitor how well your body is responding to anticoagulation therapy, such as with drugs like Heparin or Warfarin.

Thrombin time (TT), also known as the thrombin clotting time (TCT), is a blood test that measures the time it takes to form a clot in the plasma of a blood sample containing anticoagulant -“blood thinner” after an excess of thrombin has been added. The normal thrombin time range is 12-14 seconds.

A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) or activated partial thromboplastin test (aPTT) measures the time it takes to form a blood clot. Proteins in your blood called coagulation factors work together to form a blood clot. You have several coagulation factors in your blood. If any factors are missing or defective, it can take longer than usual for blood to clot. A PTT test checks the function of specific coagulation factors. Some factors include Factor VIII and IX associated with Hemophilia – (A bleeding disorder). The normal range for partial thromboplastin time is 30-45 seconds.

Fibrinogen is another protein substance made by the liver. It makes sense that if your fibrinogen is low, your body’s ability to clot blood can be affected, and if it’s too high, it can cause clots to form out of balance. Fibrinogen circulates in the blood, waiting for the opportunity to help form a clot if we sustain an injury.

Fibrinogen can be too high in cases of acute infections, heart disease, and cancer. The normal range is 200 to 400 mg/dL (2.0 to 4.0 g/L).

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, play a vital role in clot formation. Derived from thromb, which means clot, and Cyte, which means cell, these components circulate in the bloodstream, grouping at injury sites to create clots. The National Institutes of Health defines the normal platelet range as 150,000-400,000. Low platelet levels are termed thrombocytopenia, which can be induced by certain drugs or elevated by some illnesses. Maintaining the right balance is crucial, preventing either excessive or insufficient clotting.

So, how are all of these blood tests performed? The healthcare provider or clinician will request the specific test for monitoring, which involves a straightforward blood draw.

The lab technician will cleanse the area for blood to be drawn. You will feel a pinch or a prick at the area when the needle is inserted into your vein. Pressure will need to be applied to the area after the blood draw is complete to form a clot. You may wear a Band-Aid or cotton with tape for a while and see a small mark or bruise on your skin that should heal within a few days.

If you are on medication and blood samples are being taken to monitor the effectiveness of drug therapy, you may have a blood test done more frequently to adjust medication or monitor progress. Time of day for testing may be a factor if your medication needs adjusting and your health care provider or the clinician wants the test results before you take your next dose.

Some foods and medications may affect test results. Your healthcare provider/ Clinician will tell you what foods or medications to avoid before your blood test.

Assist in diagnosing acquired (idiopathic) or inherited thrombotic thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP).

Assist in distinguishing between inherited and acquired forms of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). When acquired, TTP is suspected, but antibodies are not identified by the ADAMTS13 inhibitor test.

Required in conjunction with von Willebrand Factor Antigen and Factor VIII, Activity as part of the initial workup for suspected von Willebrand disease (VWD). Also useful for monitoring treatment in patients with VWD.

Required in conjunction with von Willebrand Factor Activity (Ristocetin Cofactor) and Factor VIII, Activity as part of initial workup for suspected von Willebrand disease.

To diagnose haemophilia A, acquired factor VIII deficiency, or as part of a diagnostic workup for von Wille brand disease (VWD).

Useful in combination with Factor VIII, Activity for the initial diagnosis of mild haemophilia A. May also be used to measure factor VIII activity in the presence of a lupus anticoagulant.

Use to evaluate patients with suspected platelet dysfunction (inherited or acquired). The test includes ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA). RIPA is required in consultation with a coagulation specialist to distinguish between type 2 subtypes in patients diagnosed with VWD.

The heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) antibody test, also known as the heparin-PF4 antibody test, serves the purpose of identifying antibodies that can develop in individuals who have undergone heparin treatment. This test aids in immune-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia diagnosis, specifically HIT type II, in cases where patients exhibit a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and excess blood clotting (thrombosis). It’s important to note that the detection of HIT antibodies doesn’t automatically imply the development of HIT II. Consequently, this test is most valuable for individuals with a moderate to high likelihood of having HIT II, as determined by factors like the timing of heparin administration, significantly reduced platelet counts and excessive clot formation. Usually, this examination is requested either alongside or after a platelet count evaluation. Furthermore, additional tests, including functional assays, may be conducted to further confirm the findings.