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Thrombin Time
MessagePerforming Lab: Regions
Test Code
3527
Alias/See Also
Sunquest: ATHT; Thrombin Clotting Time, TT
CPT Codes
85670
Preferred Specimen
2.7 mL (in 3 mL tube) 3.2% Sodium Citrate Plasma (light blue-top) tube filled to fill line on the tube
Minimum Volume
1.0 mL platelet poor plasma (Frozen)
Instructions
Collection: Samples with a hematocrit > 55% require a special anticoagulant adjusted tube for high hematocrits.
Processing: Freeze an aliquot of plasma at -20°C if not performed within 4 hours of collection
Processing: Freeze an aliquot of plasma at -20°C if not performed within 4 hours of collection
Transport Temperature
Frozen if > 4 hours old
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated: 4 hours
Frozen (-20C): 72 hours
Frozen (-80C): 2 Weeks
Refrigerated: 4 hours
Frozen (-20C): 72 hours
Frozen (-80C): 2 Weeks
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolyzed or Clotted Samples, Samples do not meet the minimum draw requirements, Samples exceed maximum draw requirements, Samples with hematocrit >55% not collected with the special tube. Sample from patients on unfractionated Heparin Therapy, Direct Xa inhibitors or Thrombin inhibitors.
Methodology
Electromagnetic Clot Detection
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Same day.
Reference Range
14.3 - 19.1 seconds
Critical: >= 120.0 seconds
Critical: >= 120.0 seconds
Clinical Significance
The thrombin time is a rapid and simple test designed for the assessment of fibrin formation. The thrombin time remains normal in deficiencies of factor XIII (fibrin stabilizing factor). A thrombin time should be performed before any specific assays are attempted when a prolongation of the overall tests (PT, APTT) cannot be explained. Prolongation of the Thrombin Time can indicate an abnormality of fibrinogen or the presence of antithrombins.
