THROMBIN TIME

General Information

Alias: TT, TCT, Thrombin

Performed: 24/7

Turn Around Time: 24 hours

CPT Codes: 85670

Performed By: Hematology

Notes: When hematocrit is >55%, original results that are abnormal must be corrected on patients greater than 4 months of age.

Clinical Utility: Thrombin Time is influenced by the quantity and quality of fibrinogen present in the plasma and by the presence of circulating anticoagulant (heparin or direct thrombin inhibitors) which interfere with the thrombin-fibrinogen reaction. Prolonged thrombin times are measured both in patients with disorders of fibrin polymerization as well as during heparin or direct thrombin inhibitor treatment.

Unacceptable Conditions:

Clotted, severely hemolyzed, refrigerated, and/or on ice. Heparin (UFH) will prolong results. Specimens should not be drawn with heparinized syringe, through lines containing heparin, or during procedures using heparin (such as dialysis or apheresis). Collection through PICC lines and medi-ports are generally unacceptable due to insufficient flush and discard.

Thrombin Time results on the ACL TOP are not affected by hemoglobin up to 500 mg/dL & bilirubin up to 24 mg/dL.  Lipemic samples are unacceptable with this assay. 

Components

Specimen Requirements