Thrombin Time (Bovine), Plasma
Use
Detecting or excluding the presence of heparin or heparin-like anticoagulants when used in conjunction with the reptilase time (RT) in evaluating unexplained prolonged clotting times. It is also used for identifying the cause of a prolonged prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, or dilute Russell viper venom time when used in conjunction with the RT and fibrinogen assay.
Special Instructions
Centifuge, transfer all plasma into a plastic vial, and centrifuge plasma again. Aliquot plasma into a separate plastic vial leaving 0.25 mL in the bottom of centrifuged vial. Freeze plasma immediately (no longer than 4 hours after collection) at -20 degrees C or, ideally, at -40 degrees C or below. A double-centrifuged specimen is critical for accurate results as platelet contamination may cause spurious results. Each coagulation assay requested should have its own vial.
Limitations
The thrombin time test, by itself, has little diagnostic value and should be interpreted within the context of additional coagulation assays (eg, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and reptilase time). Rare congenital dysfibrinogenemias associated with venous thromboembolism may demonstrate normal thrombin and reptilase times and normal Clauss fibrinogen levels.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Coagulation)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 46717-5
- 46717-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Light-blue top (3.2% sodium citrate); Polypropylene plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Fasting: 8 hours preferred but not required. Centrifuge, transfer all plasma into a plastic vial, and centrifuge plasma again. Aliquot plasma into a separate plastic vial leaving 0.25 mL in the bottom of centrifuged vial. Freeze plasma immediately (no longer than 4 hours after collection) at -20 degrees C or, ideally, at -40 degrees C or below. See Coagulation Guidelines for Specimen Handling and Processing.
Patient Preparation
Fasting: 8 hours preferred but not required.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 14 days |