Thrombin Time Test

The thrombin time(TT) test may be done to investigate a possible bleeding disorder or inappropriate blood clot formation. Mostly done to evaluate the function and level of fibrinogen. This test is very sensitive to the anticoagulant heparin. A thrombin time test is ordered by itself or along with some of other tests when a person is experiencing bleeding or clotting, experiences continuous miscarriages, or has prolonged disturbed results on the primary coagulation tests like prothrombin time (PT) or partial thromboplastin time (PTT). This test is also done for heparin contamination or when a person is undergoing heparin therapy.

Make sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that you can easily roll up.No special preparation needed for the Thrombin-time (TT) test. There’s no need to adjust your diet. You can both eat and drink normally. Tell your doctor if you have or had any allergies of some kind. However, your doctor may require that you fast for a specific amount of time before the test. That’s common if the blood sample is required for additional testing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

A prolonged thrombin time may indicate:
1. Decreased fibrinogen level (hypofibrinogenemia or afibrinogenemia)
2. Abnormal fibrinogen function (dysfibrinogenemia).
3. Conditions such as disseminated intravascular coagulation( DIC ).
4. Abnormal fibrinolysis impair fibrin formation.
5. End stage liver disease or malnutrition.
If thrombin time is abnormal, additional tests should be done like fibrinogen activity assay ( FIA ), fibrinogen antigen assay (FAA) , and other liver function tests.
A considerable percentage of people with dysfunctional fibrinogen will show no symptoms or maybe some mild symptoms. The thrombin time is one of a number of tests generally done to evaluate a bleeding or thrombotic disorder.

During this test, a lab technician will draw blood from a vein, generally from the inside of your elbow.
The lab assistant will:
1.clean your skin with an antiseptic wipe.
2.place an elastic band around your upper arm to help the vein swell with blood.
3.insert a needle in the your and collects the required amount of blood.
4.cover the area with a bandage to stop any bleeding.
5.label your sample and send it to a lab for analysis.