Test Performed in the Coagulation Section

Question 1

Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT [PTT])

Answer 1

Evaluates the intrinsic system of the coagulation cascade and monitors heparin therapy

Question 2

Antithrombin III

Answer 2

Screening test for increased clotting tendencies

Question 3

Anti-Xa heparin assay

Answer 3

Monitors unfractionated heparin therapy

Question 4

Proteins C and S

Answer 4

Evaluate venous thrombosis

Question 5

Bleeding time (BT)

Answer 5

Evaluates the function of platelets

Question 6

D-dimer

Answer 6

Measures abnormal blood clotting and fibrinolysis

Question 7

Factor assays

Answer 7

Detect factor deficiencies that prolong coagulation

Question 8

Fibrin degradation products (FDP)

Answer 8

Test for increased fibrinolysis (usually a STAT test drawn in a special tube)

Question 8

Fibrinogen

Answer 8

Determines the amount of fibrinogen in plasma

Question 9

Platelet aggregation

Answer 9

Evaluates the function of platelets

Question 10

Prothrombin time (PT)
and international normalized ratio (INR)

Answer 10

Evaluates the extrinsic system of the coagulation cascade and monitors Coumadin therapy

Question 11

Thrombin time (TT)

Answer 11

Determines if adequate fibrinogen is present for normal coagulation