Difference between revisions of "Coagulation Tests"

Latest revision as of 13:29, 12 April 2022

Also known as: coagulation profile — clotting profile — clotting tests — tests of haemostasis

Coagulation cascade. Source: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Joe D (2007)

Platelets

^{©RVC 2008}

Normally, haemostastis is maintained by three key events:

Primary haemostasis involves platelets and the blood vessels themselves and is triggered by injury to a vessel - platelets become activated, adhere to endothelial connective tissue and aggregate with other platelets. A fragile plug is formed which helps to stem haemorrhage from the vessel. Substances released from platelets during primary haemostasis include vasoactive compounds to induce vasoconstriction and other mediators that cause continued platelet activation and aggregation, as well as contraction of the platelet plug. Primary haemostasis ceases once defects in the vessels are sealed and bleeding stops.
Secondary haemostasis occurs when proteinaceous clotting factors interact in a cascade to produce fibrin to reinforce the clot. Two arms of the cascade are activated simultaneously to achieve coagulation: the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The intrinsic pathway is activated by contact with collagen due to vessel injury and involves the clotting factors XII, XI, IX and VIII. The extrinsic pathway is triggered by tissue injury and is effected via factor VII. These pathways progress independently before converging at the common pathway, which involves the factors X, V, II and I and ultimately results in the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen. Factors II, VII, IX and X are dependent upon vitamin K to become active.
Fibrinolysis is the final stage of restoring haemostasis - it prevents uncontrolled, widespread clot formation and breaks down the fibrin within blood clots. The two most important anticoagulants involved in fibrinolysis are antithrombin III (ATIII) and Protein C. The end products of fibinolysis are fibrin degratation products (FDPs).

Abnormalities can develop in any of the components of haemostasis. Disorders of primary haemostasis include vessel defects (i.e. vasculitis), thrombocytopenia (due to decreased production or increased destruction) and abnormalities in platelet function (e.g. congenital defects). These lead to the occurence of multiple minor bleeds and prolonged bleeding times; petechial or ecchymotic haemorrhages may be seen for example, on the skin and mucous membranes, or ocular bleeds may arise. Generally, intact secondary haemostasis prevents major haemorrhage in disorders of primary haemostasis. When secondary haemostasis is abnormal, larger bleeds are frequently seen. Haemothorax, haemoperitoneum, or haemoarthrosis may occur, in addition to subcutaneous and intramuscular haemorrhages. Petechiae and ecchymoses are not usually apparent, as intact primary haemostasis prevents minor capillary bleeding. Examples of secondary haemostatic disorders include clotting factor deficiencies (e.g. hepatic failure, vitamin K deficiency, hereditary disorders) and circulation of substances inhibitory to coagulation (FDPs in disseminated intravascular coagulation, lupus anticoagulant). If fibrinolysis is defective, thrombus formation and infarctions may result. Thrombus formation may be promoted by vascular damage, circulatory stasis or changes in anticoagulants or procoagulants. For example, ATIII may be decreased. This can occur by loss due to glomerular disease or accelerated consumption in disseminated intravascular coagulation or sepsis.

It is therefore important that all aspects of haemostasis can be independently evaluated. This will help to identify the phase affected and to pinpoint what the abnormality is. There are tests available to assess primary haemostasis, secondary haemostasis and fibrinolysis.

Tests Evaluating Primary Haemostasis

Primary haemostasis is dependent on the activity of platelets and, to a lesser extent, the blood vessels themselves. Platelets are the smallest solid formed component of blood, and are non-nucleated, flattened disc-shaped structures¹. Their activity leads to vascoconstriction and the formation of platelet plugs to occlude vessel defects. Platelets develop in the bone marrow, and have a life span of around 7.5 days. Around two thirds of platelets are found in the circulation at any one time, with the remainder residing in the spleen¹.

Apart from unusual cases involving vasculitis, there are two causes of defects in primary haemostasis: thrombocytopenia (reduced platelet number), or thrombocytopathia (defective platelet function)².

Platelet Number

A platelet count can give valuable information in all critically ill animals and is an essential laboratory test for patients where there are concerns about abnormal bleeding. Platelet numbers may be rapidly estimated by examination of a stained blood smear, or quantified by manual or automated counting techniques. Platelet clumping can give an artificially low platelet count when using manual or automated counting methods. To estimate the platelet number using a blood smear, the slide should first be scanned for evidence of clumping that would artificially reduce the count. The average number of platelets in ten oil-immersion fields should be counted, and a mean calculated. Each platelet in a high-power field represents 15,000 platelets per microlitre². A "normal" platelet count therefore gives around 10-15 platelets per oil-immersion field.

The reference range given for platelet number is usually around 200-500x10⁹ per litre, although this varies depending on the laboratory equipment used. Clinical signs due to thrombocytopenia are not commonly encountered until the platelet count drops below 50x10⁹/l, when increased bleeding times may be seen. Haemorrhage during surgery becomes a concern with counts lower than 20x10⁹/l, and spontaneous bleeding arises when platelets are fewer than 5x10⁹/l². These cut-offs are lowered if platelet function is concurrently affected by other factors such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs¹.

The buccal mucosal bleeding time is a simple test that gives a rapid assessment of platelet function, providing platelet numbers are normal. If platelet numbers are below 50x10⁹/l, this test should not be performed since the results will be affected by thrombocytopenia, making them unreliable. The small wound inflicted may also not stop bleeding easily.

To perform the BMBT test, a standardised tool producing a uniform incision is used to incise the buccal mucosa of the upper lip^2,3, and the time between making the incision and the cessation of bleeding is measured². During the procedure the lip should be kept turned outwards, with excess blood being gently absorbed at a site away from the incision, without disturbing clot formation or applying pressure. Normally, bleeding should stop within 3 minutes, and a BMBT of greater than 5 minutes is considered prolonged².

Acquired platelet function abnormalities can be drug induced, for example by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs^2,3, or can be secondary to uraemia. Hereditary defects in platelet function also exist, and von Willebrand's disease is the most common of these.

The BMBT is influenced by all the aspects of this phase, including vasoconstriction, platelet adherence and plately aggregation. Although this makes BMBT an effective screening test for the vascular/platelet (primary) phase of haemostasis, it also means it is not purely a test for thrombocytopathia, as it is often considered: BMBT depends on an intact vasospastic response and adequate platelet numbers as well as platelet function³. BMBT is a fairly crude test, and has been found to be normal in some patients with a known platelet function disorder and vice versa³. The results of this test therefore should be interpreted with some caution.

Tests Evaluating Secondary Haemostasis

Secondary haemostasis describes the formation of a cross linked fibrin meshwork in the blood clot and is dependent on soluble coagulation factors. Abnormalities in secondary coagulation can occur if there are insufficient coagulation factors, inactive coagulation factors or inhibition of factors. To recap, the soluble coagulation factors are traditionally divided into the intrinsic, extrinsic and common pathways.

Activated Clotting Time

The activated clotting time (ACT) allows rapid evaluation of secondary haemostasis. The ACT is the time taken for 2ml of fresh whole blood to clot in a tube with a contact activator (diatomaceous earth²), but an automated analyser can perform a test with a similar principle. The reaction must occur at body temperature to give a reliable indication of haemostatic ability: this can be achieved by the use of a warm water bath, or in an emergency by holding the tubes under an arm.

The contact activator used in the ACT test triggers the intrinsic pathway, and so ACT allows assessment of the intrinsic and common pathways. ACT will therefore be prolonged when factors I, II, V, VIII, IX, X, XI or XII are deficient or abnormal, such as in DIC, liver disease, vitamin K antagonist toxicosis or haemophilia A or B². Thrombocytopenia may also increase ACT.

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time

The APTT measures the time necessary to generate fibrin from activation of the intrinsic pathway³. It therefore assesses functionality of the components of the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation. The test is performed on citrated plasma, and so blood should be collected into a sodium citrate tube if the APTT test is to be undertaken. Once a sample is obtained, factor XII is activated by an external agent that will not also activate factor VII, such as kaolin^{1, 3}. Since the intrinsic arm of the cascade requires platelet factors to function, the test also provides a phospholipid emuslion in place of these factors. Calcium is added, the preparation is incubated, and the time for clumping of kaolin is measured. Classically, partial thromboplastin time was measured after activation by contact with a glass tube, but use of an external activating agent in the newer, "activated" partial thromboplastin time method makes results more reliable³.

APPT evaluates the same pathways as ACT, and so will be prolonged by abnormalities or deficiencies in factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, X, V, II or I. However, APTT is not affected

Coagulation Tests Learning Resources
Flashcards Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions	Equine Internal Medicine Q&A 03
Literature Search Search for recent publications via CAB Abstract (CABI log in required)	Coagulation Tests publications

Links

Cornell University Clinical Pathology Modules: Tests of Haemostasis

References

Fischbach, F T and Dunning, M B (2008) A manual of laboratory and diagnostic tests, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Hopper, K (2005) Interpreting coagulation tests. Proceedings of the 56th conference of La Società culturale italiana veterinari per animali da compagnia.
Walker, K H et al (1990) Clinical Methods: The History, Physical and Laboratory Examinations (Third Edition), Butterworths.
Cornell University Clinical Pathology Modules: Tests of Haemostasis - PIVKA
Howard, M R and (2008) Haematology: an illustrated colour text, Elsevier Health Sciences.
Mair, TS & Divers, TJ (1997) Self-Assessment Colour Review Equine Internal Medicine Manson Publishing Ltd

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-{{unfinished}}
+{{OpenPagesTop}}Also known as: '''''coagulation profile — clotting profile — clotting tests — tests of haemostasis
+[[Image:Coagulation Cascade.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Coagulation cascade. Source: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Joe D (2007)]]
+[[Image:LH_Platelet_Histology.jpg|thumb|right|<center><p>'''Platelets'''</p><sup>©RVC 2008</sup></center>]]
+Normally, [[Normal Mechanisms of Haemostatic Control|haemostastis]] is maintained by three key events:
+*'''Primary haemostasis''' involves platelets and the blood vessels themselves and is triggered by injury to a vessel - platelets become activated, adhere to endothelial connective tissue and aggregate with other platelets. A fragile plug is formed which helps to stem haemorrhage from the vessel. Substances released from platelets during primary haemostasis include vasoactive compounds to induce vasoconstriction and other mediators that cause continued platelet activation and aggregation, as well as contraction of the platelet plug. Primary haemostasis ceases once defects in the vessels are sealed and bleeding stops.
+*'''Secondary haemostasis''' occurs when proteinaceous clotting factors interact in a cascade to produce fibrin to reinforce the clot. Two arms of the cascade are activated simultaneously to achieve coagulation: the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The intrinsic pathway is activated by contact with collagen due to vessel injury and involves the clotting factors XII, XI, IX and VIII. The extrinsic pathway is triggered by tissue injury and is effected via factor VII. These pathways progress independently before converging at the common pathway, which involves the factors X, V, II and I and ultimately results in the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen. Factors II, VII, IX and X are dependent upon vitamin K to become active.
+*'''Fibrinolysis''' is the final stage of restoring haemostasis - it prevents uncontrolled, widespread clot formation and breaks down the fibrin within blood clots.  The two most important anticoagulants involved in fibrinolysis are antithrombin III (ATIII) and Protein C. The end products of fibinolysis are fibrin degratation products (FDPs).
-Also known as: coagulation profile, clotting profile, clotting tests.
-==Introduction==
+Abnormalities can develop in any of the components of haemostasis. Disorders of primary haemostasis include [[Haemorrhagic_Disease_Pathophysiology#Vascular_Fragility|vessel defects]] (i.e. vasculitis), [[Platelet_Abnormalities#Thrombocytopaenia|thrombocytopenia]] (due to decreased production or increased destruction) and [[Platelet Abnormalities|abnormalities in platelet function]] (e.g. congenital defects). These lead to the occurence of multiple minor bleeds and prolonged bleeding times; petechial or ecchymotic [[Haemorrhage|haemorrhages]] may be seen for example, on the skin and mucous membranes, or ocular bleeds may arise. Generally, intact secondary haemostasis prevents major haemorrhage in disorders of primary haemostasis. When secondary haemostasis is abnormal, [[Haemorrhage|larger bleeds]] are frequently seen. Haemothorax, haemoperitoneum, or haemoarthrosis may occur, in addition to subcutaneous and intramuscular haemorrhages. Petechiae and ecchymoses are not usually apparent, as intact primary haemostasis prevents minor capillary bleeding. Examples of secondary haemostatic disorders include [[:Category:Coagulation Defects|clotting factor deficiencies]] (e.g. hepatic failure, vitamin K deficiency, hereditary disorders) and circulation of substances inhibitory to coagulation (FDPs in [[Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation|disseminated intravascular coagulation]], [[Systemic Lupus Erythematosus|lupus]] anticoagulant). If fibrinolysis is defective, thrombus formation and infarctions may result. Thrombus formation may be promoted by vascular damage, circulatory stasis or changes in anticoagulants or procoagulants. For example, ATIII may be decreased. This can occur by loss due to glomerular disease or accelerated consumption in disseminated intravascular coagulation or sepsis.
-===Haemostasis===
+It is therefore important that all aspects of haemostasis can be independently evaluated. This will help to identify the phase affected and to pinpoint what the abnormality is. There are tests available to assess primary haemostasis, secondary haemostasis and fibrinolysis.
-[[Image:Coagulation Cascade.jpg|thumb|right|350px|oagulation cascade. Source: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Joe D (2007)]]
-Normally, haemostastis is maintained by three key events. The first stage, primary haemostasis, involves platelets and the blood vessels themselves. It is triggered by injury to a vessel, and platelets become activated, adhere to endothelial connective tissue and aggregate with other platelets. A fragile plug is thus formed which helps to stem haemorrhage from the vessel. Substances are released from platelets during primary haemostasis. Vasoactive compounds give vasoconstriction, and other mediators cause continued platelet activation and aggregation, as well as contraction of the platelet plug. Primary haemostasis ceases once defects in the vessels are sealed and bleeding stops.
-The platelet plug formed by primary haemostasis is fragile and must be reinforced in order to provide longer-term benefit. In secondary haemostasis, proteinaceous clotting factors interact in a cascade to produce fibrin to reinforce the clot. Two arms of the cascade are activated simultaneously to achieve coagulation: the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The intrinsic pathway is activated by contact with collagen due to vessel injury and involves the clotting factors XII, XI, IX and VIII. The extrinsic pathway is triggered by tissue injury and is effected via factor VII. These pathways progress independently before converging at the common pathway, which involves the factors X, V, II and I and ultimately results in the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen. Factors I, VII, IX and X are dependent upon vitamin K to become active.
-The end product of haemostasis is a solid clot of fused platelets enclosed in a mesh of fibrin strands. It is important that uncontrolled, widespread clot formation is prevented, and so a fibrinolytic system exists to breakdown fibrin within blood clots.  The two most important anticoagulants involved in fibrinolysis are antithrombin III (ATIII) and Protein C. The end products of fibinolysis are fibrin degratation products (FDPs).
-===Disorders of Haemostasis===
-Abnormalities can develop in any of the components of haemostasis. Disorders of primary haemostasis include vessel defects (i.e. vasculitis), thrombocytopenia (due to decreased production or increased destruction) and abnormalities in platelet function (e.g. congenital defects, disseminated intravascular coagulation). These lead to the occurence of multiple minor bleeds and prolonged bleeding. For example, petechial or ecchymotic haemorrhages may be seen on the skin and mucous membranes, or ocular bleeds may arise. Generally, intact secondary haemostasis prevents major haemorrhage in disorders of primary haemostasis. When secondary haemostasis is abnormal, larger bleeds are frequently seen. Haemothroax, haemoperitoneum, or haemoarthrosis may occur, in addition to subcutaneous and intramuscular haemorrhages. Petechiae and ecchymoses are not usually apparent, as intact primary haemostasis prevents minor capillary bleeding. Examples of secondary haemostatic disorders include clotting factor deficiencies (e.g. hepatic failure, vitamin K deficiency, hereditary disorders) and circulation of substances inhibitory to coagulation (FDPs in disseminated intravascular coagulation, lupus anticoagulant). If fibrinolysis is defective, thrombus formation and infarctions may result. Thrombus formation may be promoted by vascular damage,  circulatory stasis or changes in anticoagulants or procoagulants. For example, ATIII may be decreased. This can occur by loss due to glomerular disease or accelarated consumption in disseminated intravascular coagulation or sepsis.
-It is therefore important that all aspects of haemostasis can be evaluated. This will help to identify the phase affected and to pinpoint what the abnormality is. There are tests available to assess primary haemostasis, secondary haemostasis and fibrinolysis.
 ==Tests Evaluating Primary Haemostasis==
-Primary haemostasis is dependent on the activity of platelets and, to a lesser extent, the blood vessels themselves. Platelets are the smallest solid formed component of blood, and are non-nucleated, flattened disc-shaped structures<sup>1</sup>. Their activity leads to vascoconstriction and the formation of platelet plugs to occlude vessel defects. Platelets develop in the bone marrow, and have a life span of around 7.5 days. Around two thirds of platelets are found in the circulation at any one time, with the remainder residing in the spleen<sup>1</sup>.
+Primary haemostasis is dependent on the activity of platelets and, to a lesser extent, the blood vessels themselves. [[Thrombocytes|Platelets]] are the smallest solid formed component of blood, and are non-nucleated, flattened disc-shaped structures<sup>1</sup>. Their activity leads to vascoconstriction and the formation of platelet plugs to occlude vessel defects. Platelets develop in the bone marrow, and have a life span of around 7.5 days. Around two thirds of platelets are found in the circulation at any one time, with the remainder residing in the spleen<sup>1</sup>.
-Apart from unusual cases involving vasculitis, there are two causes of defects in primary haemostasis: thrombocytopenia (reduced platelet number), or thrombocytopathia (defective platelet function)<sup>2</sup>.
+Apart from unusual cases involving vasculitis, there are two causes of defects in primary haemostasis: [[Platelet_Abnormalities#Thrombocytopaenia|thrombocytopenia]] (reduced platelet number), or [[Platelet_Abnormalities#Thrombocytopathia|thrombocytopathia]] (defective platelet function)<sup>2</sup>.
 ===Platelet Number===
+A platelet count can give valuable information in all critically ill animals and is an essential laboratory test for patients where there are concerns about abnormal bleeding. Platelet numbers may be rapidly estimated by examination of a stained blood smear, or quantified by manual or automated counting techniques. [[Platelet_Abnormalities#Artefactual_or_spurious_thrombocytopaenia|Platelet clumping]] can give an artificially low platelet count when using manual or automated counting methods. To estimate the platelet number using a blood smear, the slide should first be scanned for evidence of clumping that would artificially reduce the count. The average number of platelets in ten oil-immersion fields should be counted, and a mean calculated. Each platelet in a high-power field represents 15,000 platelets per microlitre<sup>2</sup>. A "normal" platelet count therefore gives around 10-15 platelets per oil-immersion field.
-A platelet count can give valuable information in all critically ill animals and is an essential laboratory tests for patients with bleeding concerns. Platelet numbers may be rapidly estimated by examination of a stained blood smear, of quantified by manual or automated counting techniques. To estimate the platlet number using a blood smear, the slide should first be scanned for evidence of clumping that would artificially reduce the count. The average number of platelets in ten oil-immersion fields should be counted, and a mean calculated. Each platelet in a high-power field represents 15,000 platelets per microlitre<sup>2</sup>. A "normal" platelet count therefore gives aroung 10-15 platelets per oil-immersion field.
+The reference range given for platelet number is usually around 200-500x10<sup>9</sup> per litre, although this varies depending on the laboratory equipment used. Clinical signs due to thrombocytopenia are not commonly encountered until the platelet count drops below 50x10<sup>9</sup>/l, when increased bleeding times may be seen. Haemorrhage during surgery becomes a concern with counts lower than 20x10<sup>9</sup>/l, and spontaneous bleeding arises when platelets are fewer than 5x10<sup>9</sup>/l<sup>2</sup>. These cut-offs are lowered if platelet function is concurrently affected by other factors such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<sup>1</sup>.
-The reference range given for platelet number is usually around 200-500x10<sup>9</sup> per litre, although this varies depending on the laboratory used. Clinical signs due to thrombocytopenia are not commonly encountered until the platelet count drops below 50X10<sup>9</sup>/l, when increased bleeding times may be seen. Haemorrhage during surgery becomes a concern with counts lower than 20X10<sup>9</sup>/l, and spotaneous bleeding arises when platelets are fewer than 5X10<sup>9</sup>/l<sup>2</sup>. These cut-offs are lowered if platelet function is concurrently affected, for example by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<sup>1</sup>.
-===Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time===
 The buccal mucosal bleeding time is a simple test that gives a rapid assessment of platelet function, providing platelet numbers are normal. If platelet numbers are below 50x10<sup>9</sup>/l, this test should not be performed since the results will be affected by thrombocytopenia, making them unreliable. The small wound inflicted may also not stop bleeding easily.
-To perform the BMBT test, a standardised tool producing a uniform incision is used<sup>2, 3</sup> to make an incision in the buccal mucosa of the upper lip, and the time between making the incision and the cessation of bleeding is measured<sup>2</sup> During the procedure the lip should be kept turned outwards, with excess blood being gently absorbed at a site away from the incision, without disturbing clot formation or applying pressure. Normally, bleeding should stop within 3 minutes, and a BMBT of greater than 5 minutes is considered prolonged<sup>2</sup>.
+To perform the BMBT test, a standardised tool producing a uniform incision is used to incise the buccal mucosa of the upper lip<sup>2,3</sup>, and the time between making the incision and the cessation of bleeding is measured<sup>2</sup>. During the procedure the lip should be kept turned outwards, with excess blood being gently absorbed at a site away from the incision, without disturbing clot formation or applying pressure. Normally, bleeding should stop within 3 minutes, and a BMBT of greater than 5 minutes is considered prolonged<sup>2</sup>.
-Acquired platelet function abnormalities are often drug induced, for example by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs<sup.2, 3</sup>, or caused by uraemia. Hereditary defects in platelet function also exist, and von Willebrand's disease is the most common of these.
+Acquired platelet function abnormalities can be drug induced, for example by [[NSAIDs|non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs]]<sup>2,3</sup>, or can be secondary to [[Uraemia|uraemia]]. Hereditary defects in platelet function also exist, and [[Coagulation_Factor_Deficiency#Von_Willebrand.27s_Disease|von Willebrand's disease]] is the most common of these.
-The BMBT is influenced by all the aspects of this phase, including vasoconstriction, platelet adherence and plately aggregation. Although this makes BMBT an effective screening test for the vascular/platelet (primary) phase of haemostasis, it also means it is not purely a test for thrombocytopathia, as it is often considered: BMBT depends on an intact vasospastic response and adequate platelet numbers as well as platelet function<sup>3</sup>. BMBT is also a fairly crude test, and has been found to be
+The BMBT is influenced by all the aspects of this phase, including vasoconstriction, platelet adherence and plately aggregation. Although this makes BMBT an effective screening test for the vascular/platelet (primary) phase of haemostasis, it also means it is not purely a test for thrombocytopathia, as it is often considered: BMBT depends on an intact vasospastic response and adequate platelet numbers as well as platelet function<sup>3</sup>. BMBT is a fairly crude test, and has been found to be normal in some patients with a known platelet function disorder and vice versa<sup>3</sup>. The results of this test therefore should be interpreted with some caution.
-normal in some patients with a known platelet function disorder and vice versa<sup>3</sup>. Therefore, the results of this test should be interpreted with some caution.
 ==Tests Evaluating Secondary Haemostasis==
-Secondary hemostasis describes the formation of a cross linked fibrin meshwork in the blood clot and is dependent on the soluble coagulation factors. Abnormalities in secondary coagulation can occur from insufficient coagulation factors or the presence of inactive coagulation factors. The soluble coagulation factors are traditionally divided into the intrinsic, extrinsic and common pathways, as described in the introduction.
+Secondary haemostasis describes the formation of a cross linked fibrin meshwork in the blood clot and is dependent on soluble coagulation factors. Abnormalities in secondary coagulation can occur if there are insufficient coagulation factors, inactive coagulation factors or inhibition of factors. To recap, the soluble coagulation factors are traditionally divided into the intrinsic, extrinsic and common pathways.
 ===Activated Clotting Time===
+The activated clotting time (ACT) allows rapid evaluation of secondary haemostasis. The ACT is the time taken for 2ml of fresh whole blood to clot in a tube with a contact activator (diatomaceous earth<sup>2</sup>), but an automated analyser can perform a test with a similar principle. The reaction must occur at body temperature to give a reliable indication of haemostatic ability: this can be achieved by the use of a warm water bath, or in an emergency by holding the tubes under an arm.
-The activated clotting time (ACT) allows rapid evaluation of secondary haemostasis. The ACT is the time taken for 2ml of fresh whole blood to clot in a tube with a contact activator (diatomaceous earth<sup>2</sup>), but an automated analyser can perform a test with a similar principle. The reaction must occur at body temperature to give a reliable indication of haemostatic ability: this can be achieved by the use of a warm water bath, or by holding the tubes under an arm. The normal ACT is 90-120 seconds and less than 75 seconds in dogs and cats respectively<sup>2</sup>.
 The contact activator used in the ACT test triggers the intrinsic pathway, and so ACT allows assessment of the intrinsic and common pathways. ACT will therefore be prolonged when factors I, II, V, VIII, IX, X, XI or XII are deficient or abnormal, such as in DIC, liver disease, vitamin K antagonist toxicosis or haemophilia A or B<sup>2</sup>. Thrombocytopenia may also increase ACT.
 ===Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time===
+The APTT measures the time necessary to generate fibrin from activation of the intrinsic pathway<sup>3</sup>. It therefore assesses functionality of the components of the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation. The test is performed on citrated plasma, and so blood should be collected into a sodium citrate tube if the APTT test is to be undertaken. Once a sample is obtained, factor XII is activated by an external agent that will not also activate factor VII, such as kaolin<sup>1, 3</sup>. Since the intrinsic arm of the cascade requires platelet factors to function, the test also provides a phospholipid emuslion in place of these factors. Calcium is added, the preparation is incubated, and the time for clumping of kaolin is measured. Classically, partial thromboplastin time was measured after activation by contact with a glass tube, but use of an external activating agent in the newer, "activated" partial thromboplastin time method makes results more reliable<sup>3</sup>.
-The APTT is measures the time necessary to generate fibrin from activation of the intrinsic pathway<sup>3</sup>. It therefore assesses functionality of the components of the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation. The test is performed on citrated plasma, and so blood should be collected into a sodium citrate tube if the APTT test is to be undertaken. Once a sample is obtained, factor XII is activated by an external agent that will not also activate factor VII, such as kaolin<sup>,1 3</sup>. Since the intrinsic arm of the cascade requires platelet factors to function, the test also provides a phospholipid emuslion in place of these factors. Calcium is added, the preparation is incubated, and the time for clumping of kaolin is measured. Classically, partial thromboplastin time was measured after activation by contact with a glass tube, but use of an external activating agent in the newer, "activated" partial thromboplastin time method makes results more reliable<sup>3</sup>.
+APPT evaluates the same pathways as ACT, and so will be prolonged by abnormalities or deficiencies in factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, X, V, II or I. However, APTT is not affected
-APPT evaluates the same pathways as ACT, and so will be prolonged by abnormalities or deficiencies in factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, X, V, II or I. However, is not affected by thrombocytopenia and is also considered to be a more sensitive test than ACT: APTT becomes prolonged when 70% of a factor is depleted, compared to 90% depletion of ACT. APTT can also be prolonged in the presence of a circulating inhibitor to any of the intrinsic pathway factors. To differentiate factor deficiency from inhibition, a "mixing study" can be performed where the test is repeated on a 1:1 mix of patient and normal plasma. Complete correction indicates a deficiency, and partial or no resolution shows that an inhibitor is present. This difference stems from the above mentioned fact that the APTT will be normal in the presence of 50% normal activity<sup>3</sup>.
-Conditions in which APTT is prolonged include inherited disorders, such as haemophilia A and B and other congential absences of intrinsic and common factors. Acquired factor deficiency also occurs, for example with vitamin K deficiency, liver dysfunction, prolonged bleeding or disseminated intravascular coagulation. The most common inhibitors found to prolong APTT are the antithrombins, which inhibit the activity of thrombin on the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Examples include heparin and fibrin degradation products.
-Occasionally, a shortened APTT is seen. This may reflect increased levels of activated factors in a hypercoagulable state, for example in the early stages of DIC<sup>3</sup>.
-===Prothrombin Time===
-Prothrombin time (PT) gives an assessment of the extrinsic and common pathways by measuring the time necessary to generate fibrin after activation of factor VII<sup>3</sup>. It is performed by an automated analyser<sup>2</sup> using citrated plasma<sup>1, 3</sup>. Blood should therefore be collected into a sodium citrate tube if prothrombin time is to be performed. In basic terms, the test procedure involves adding thromoplastin to the patient's plasma, warming, adding calcium and recording the time taken to clot<sup>1</sup>.
-A prolonged PT may reflect a factor deficiency or the presence of a circulating inhibitor of coagulation.Repeating the test using a mix of test plasma and "normal" plasma can help differentiate these possibilities: PT returns to normal limits when normal plasma is added to factor-deficient plasma, but no change is seen when this is added to plasma containing inibitors<sup>3</sup>.  PT is more sensitive than APTT for factor deficiencies.
-PT is affected by abnormalities or deficiencies in coagulation factors I, II, VII or X, for example in DIC, liver disease, or poisoning with vitamin K antagonists. Inherited defects are possible. PT is also prolonged by the presence of circulating anticoagulants. Inhibitors are often directed at factor X or thrombin and can include fibrin degradation products or heparin<sup>3</sup>.
-===Tests for Individual Clotting Factors===
-Some specialised laboratories offer tests for specific clotting factors. A sodium citrate sample is required
-===PIVKA===
+{{Learning
-The vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors (FII, FVII, FIX, FX) are produced in the liver as nonfunctional precursors. These precursors are activated, in the presence of vitamin K, by carboxylation of their glutamic acid residues. This is achieved with the aid of an enzyme called gamma glutamyl carboxylase. Carboxylation of these amino acid residues allows these coagulation factors to bind calcium, which is essential for the adhesion of these factors to platelet phospholipid (which is necessary for the coagulation cascade to proceed). The inactive precursors are stored in the microsomal system of the liver and are absent in the circulation in normal animals. In the absence of vitamin K, there is an increase in these precursors, which spill into the circulation, as well as a depletion of the functional activated coagulation factors. The inactive precursors that accumulate in the circulation are called Proteins Induced by Vitamin K Antagonism or Absence.
+|literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?rowId=1&options1=AND&q1=%22Coagulation%22&occuring1=title&rowId=2&options2=AND&q2=tes*&occuring2=title&rowId=3&options3=AND&q3=&occuring3=freetext&x=65&y=9&publishedstart=yyyy&publishedend=yyyy&calendarInput=yyyy-mm-dd&la=any&it=any&show=all Coagulation Tests publications]
+|flashcards = [[Equine Internal Medicine Q&A 03]]
+}}
-The PIVKA test or thrombotest is a modification of the prothrombin time. The test uses diluted plasma (which creates longer clotting times than the PT) and a specific thrombotest reagent, which is reported to be most sensitive to deficiencies in factor X. Although claims have been made in the veterinary literature that this test is sensitive to both an increase in PIVKAs (which are supposed to inhibit the reaction) as well as a decrease in the functional coagulation factors II, VII, and X (especially factors VII and X), there is no proof that PIVKAs actually inhibit the reaction. Therefore, the PIVKA test should be considered as a modified PT that detects deficiencies in factors II, VII, and X. Because the clotting times are longer than the PT, the test may be more sensitive than the PT for abnormalities in these factors, however this was not supported by a recent study measuring PIVKAs, PT and APTT in dogs with various hemostatic disorders. Furthermore, the test is only offered by certain laboratories and the turnaround time is longer than the PT, therefore measurement of PIVKAs offers no advantage over the PT. In human patients, the nonfunctional noncarboxylated coagulation proteins are measured specifically using immunologic tests.
+==Links==
-The PIVKA test is prolonged in vitamin K deficiency due to low vitamin K-dependent factor concentrations. This is usually due to vitamin K antagonism by anticoagulant rodenticides but can also be seen in cholestatic liver disorders, e.g. hepatic lipidosis in cats. Early studies suggested that the PIVKA test may be the first coagulation test to be prolonged after experimental administration of anticoagulant rodenticides to dogs, however no further studies have been done to support this claim. The PIVKA test, like the PT, is prolonged in some dogs with DIC and dogs with factor VII deficiency, indicating that it is not specific for vitamin K deficiency. Some authors believe that the PIVKA test is a useful guide as to which patients with liver disease and abnormal coagulation results will respond to vitamin K therapy (by normalization of the coagulation times). The PIVKA test is normal in dogs with inherited deficiencies of factors VIII, IX, and XI, and prekallikrein.
+*[http://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/clinpath/modules/coags/testsf.htm Cornell University Clinical Pathology Modules: Tests of Haemostasis]
-==Tests Evaluating Fibrinolysis==
-===Fibrin Degradation Products===
-Fibrin Degradation Products
-Definition
-As a marker of fibrinolysis, fibrin degradation products (FDP), also known as fibrin split products (FSP), can be quantified by a test based on latex agglutination. The test uses antibodies to FSP which are measured using serial dilutions.
-Technique
-Serum is prepared in a series of dilutions (e.g., ½, ¼, 1/16). Latex particles onto which have been absorbed antibodies to FSP are added. If agglutination is seen, the test is positive at that dilution. The test is reported as the most dilute sample that agglutinates. The normal value is less than ¼ to ⅙.
-Basic Science
-Although well standardized and easy to perform, the FSP value may be difficult to interpret. The action of thrombin on fibrinogen is to cleave the protein and produce smaller compounds called fibrinopeptides, plus the fibrin monomer. This monomer polymerizes to form the fibrin gel. The gel is stabilized by the action of factor XIII, activated by thrombin.
-The action of plasmin is to cleave both fibrinogen and fibrin. Its action is localized by its activation at the site of endothelial rupture, and the tight association of plasminogen and fibrin. The activity on fibrinogen forms small fragments, D and E. The action on fibrin polymer is to form larger fragments. These fragments are anticoagulants formed at the site of coagulation and serve to inhibit the action of thrombin on fibrinogen to form fibrin. Both are also measured by the technique described above.
-Clinical Significance
-Increased FDP is the laboratory expression of increased fibrinolysis. This may be part of a local problem of fibrin generation such as brain trauma, chronic bleeding, vascular thrombosis, prostate surgery, uterine disorders, or malignancy, or a systemic process, usually DIC. Patients with severe liver disease can have increased fibrinolysis on the basis of poor clearance of circulating plasminogen activators.
 ==References==
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 #Hopper, K (2005) Interpreting coagulation tests. ''Proceedings of the 56th conference of La Società culturale italiana veterinari per animali da compagnia''.
 #Walker, K H et al (1990) '''Clinical Methods: The History, Physical and Laboratory Examinations (Third Edition)''', ''Butterworths''.
+#[http://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/clinpath/modules/coags/pivka.htm Cornell University Clinical Pathology Modules: Tests of Haemostasis - PIVKA]
 #Howard, M R and (2008) '''Haematology: an illustrated colour text''', ''Elsevier Health Sciences''.
+#Mair, TS & Divers, TJ (1997) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review Equine Internal Medicine''' ''Manson Publishing Ltd''
+{{review}}
-[[Category:To Do - Blood]][[Category:To Do - Lizzie]]
+{{OpenPages}}
+[[Category:Blood Samples and Coagulation Tests]]
+[[Category:Clinical Pathology]]
+[[Category:Expert Review]]