Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Test used to determine the time taken to form a clot in plasma after the addition of Thrombin. It is used in conjunction with the Protamine Time to detect the presence of Heparin in a sample (TT will be prolonged and Protamine Time will be normal). It can also be prolonged by Fibrinogen deficiency, dysfunction and fibrin degradation products. The Thrombin Time is particularly senstiive to the Direct Thrombin Inhibitor Dabigatran (Pradaxa) which will give very long Thrombin Times even at sub-therapeutic levels.
Specimen container paediatric:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Specimen container adult:
Light blue – sodium citrate
Minimum volume paediatric:
1.3mL
Minimum volume adult:
2.7mL
Special requirements:
Tube must be correctly filled to line, to ensure correct ratio of blood to anticoagulant, ensure adequate mixing.
Sample stability:
24 hrs
Transport requirements:
Samples should be transported to lab without delay
Freq analysis:
Continuous
Add on test:
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS Blood Coagulation
Reference ranges:
12 to 16 seconds.
Other info:
Used in conjunction with a Reptilase Time to determine cause of prolonged APTT.