Thrombin Time
General Information
Lab Name
Thrombin Time
Lab Code
TT
Epic Name
Thrombin Time
Description
Thrombin Time measures the time it takes to convert fibrinogen to fibrin clot in the presence of known amount of (human) thrombin.
Components
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| TTPAT | Thrombin Time |
Interpretation
Method
Clot based, Stago STA clotting assay
Reference Range
See individual components
Interferences and Limitations
Thrombin Time is prolonged if an anticoagulant (e.g. heparin, LMW heparin, direct thrombin inhibitors) that inhibits thrombin is present or if fibrinogen levels are low.
Patients on hirudin (Refludan), argatroban (Novastatan), Dabigatran (Pradaxa) or bivalirudin (Angiomax) may show prolongation of thrombin time due to direct thrombin inhibition.
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
3 or 5 mL BLUE TOP (CITRATE) tube
Handling Instructions
UW-MT/HMC: Specimen must be processed within 6 hours of blood collection.
UW-NW: Laboratory MUST process the specimen within 8 hours of blood collection.
FHCC: All specimens will be routed to UW-MT for testing.
Note: Avoid testing samples that may have been contaminated by heparin (drawn from heparinized lines, heparin in collection tubes, syringes, etc).
Quantity
requested: Entire specimen
Processing
Take specimen to COAG
Outside Laboratory: Centrifuge for 10 minutes, remove plasma & re-spin plasma for another 10 minutes. Decant & freeze plasma (minimum 1.0 mL) @ -20°C to -80°C. Send Frozen on dry ice.
Performance
LIS Dept Code
Coagulation (COAG)
Performing Location(s)
| HMC |
Coagulation
206-520-4600 325 9th Ave, Rm # GWH-47, Seattle, WA 98104-2420 |
|
|---|---|---|
| UW-NW |
Main Lab
206-668-1344 UW Medical Center – Northwest |
|
| UW-MT |
Coagulation
206-520-4600 Clinical Lab, Room NW220, |
Frequency
Daily
Available STAT?
Yes