Capillary blood clotting time

Clotting Time - a laboratory test that determines the duration of the blood clotting process in capillary blood, from the time the specimen is collected until a complete clot is formed.

It is used for an approximate assessment of the blood coagulation process and for identifying possible abnormalities of the haemostasis system.

Indications

• Assessment of the blood coagulation process
• Suspected haemostasis disorders
• Tendency to bleeding
• Frequent occurrence of bruising
• Monitoring of the coagulation system in relevant medical conditions
• Preoperative assessment

Procedure

The test is performed using capillary blood obtained by finger prick.

The first drop of blood is removed, after which the blood is collected into a sterile Panchenkov capillary tube, and the time to the beginning and completion of clotting is determined.

Normal values:
onset of clotting — 30 seconds – 2 minutes;
complete clotting — 3–5 minutes.

If borderline or significantly abnormal values are obtained, the test may be repeated.

Test method

Capillary method using a Panchenkov capillary tube, based on determining the time of onset and complete clotting of the blood.
 

Sources:

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=act
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clotting_time
https://www.verywellhealth.com/pt-ptt-and-inr-results-3157005
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544269/
https://www.healthline.com/health/coagulation-tests