Blood Clotting Tests
Blood take service 5.00€
Tests
Blood clotting tests help evaluate different parts of the coagulation system and can be prescribed in cases of unusual bleeding, before certain procedures, monitoring anticoagulant therapy, or suspecting thrombosis. It is possible to perform prothrombin time and INR, APTT, fibrinogen, and D-dimer tests.
Different indicators answer different questions
PT/INR and APTT measure how long it takes for a clot to form under laboratory conditions but assess different branches of the coagulation system. INR is especially important in monitoring treatment with warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists. Fibrinogen is one of the proteins necessary for clot formation.
D-dimers are formed as fibrin breaks down and can increase when clots are actively forming and breaking down in the body. However, an increased level of D-dimers is not specific to thrombosis: it can change due to infections, inflammation, pregnancy, post-surgery, or other circumstances. Therefore, D-dimer testing is not an independent method to confirm thrombosis.
If you are taking anticoagulants or the test is performed due to bleeding or possible symptoms of thrombosis, the results should be evaluated by a doctor who knows your treatment, symptoms, and the reason for the test.