PT, PTT, D-DIMER
This panel of tests is used to evaluate the extrinsic coagulation system. They may also aid in screening for congenital deficiencies of factors II, V, VII, X as well as deficiencies of prothrombin dysfibrinogenemia, and afibrinogenemia. Levels of PT, PTT and D-dimmer, can determine heparin effect, warfarin anticoagulant therapy, liver failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), vitamin K deficiency. This test includes the following: prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and D-dimmer.
- Prothrombin time (PT)
This test is used to evaluate the adequacy of the extrinsic system and common pathway in the clotting mechanism. Prothrombin time (PT) test provides a control for long-term anticoagulant therapy that usually involves the use of a coumarin derivative (eg, Coumadin®).This therapy attempts to impede thrombus formation without the threat of mortality from hemorrhage.
- Partial Thromboplastin Time
This test is used to evaluate the intrinsic coagulation system. It is also used to monitor heparin therapy, to aid in detecting classical hemophilia A, Christmas disease, and detection of congenital deficiencies of factors II, V, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII. PTT is used to screen for the presence of dysfibrinogenemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver failure, congenital hypofibrinogenemia, vitamin K deficiency, congenital deficiency of Fitzgerald factor, congenital deficiency of prekallikrein, high molecular weight kininogen, and circulatory anticoagulant.
- D-DIMER
This test is a very specific confirmatory test for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This test is also used for the detection of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to detect acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina. The Fragment D-dimmer assess both thrombin and plasmin activity.
