The Clotting Time (CT) Test measures how quickly blood clots after specific chemicals are added, providing information about the blood's clotting ability.
Clotting Time Test
Here are the basic details of the Clotting Time Test.
Test Name |
Clotting Time Test |
Also Known As |
CT Test |
Type |
Coagulation |
Purpose |
Assess blood clotting time |
Sample Type |
Blood plasma |
Preparation |
None |
Fasting |
Not required |
Gender |
Any |
Age Group |
All ages |
Normal Value |
3-10 minutes |
Reporting Time |
Within a few hours |
Cost |
80-400 INR* |
*Clotting Time Test Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and lab test procedure.
Clotting Time Test Means
The Clotting Time (CT) test is a coagulation assay used to evaluate the overall clotting ability of blood.
- It measures the time it takes for a blood sample to form a stable clot when exposed to coagulation-inducing substances.
- CT tests help diagnose clotting disorders such as hemophilia or deficiencies in clotting factors.
- It is a fundamental component of the coagulation profile and helps guide appropriate treatment.
- Abnormal CT results can suggest potential risks of excessive bleeding or clotting.
- This test is crucial in pre-operative assessments and monitoring patients on anticoagulant therapy.
Clotting Time Test Purpose
The purpose of the Clotting Time Test is to:
- Evaluates the overall clotting ability of blood.
- Measures the time to form a stable clot when exposed to coagulation-inducing substances.
- Diagnoses clotting disorders like hemophilia and factor deficiencies.
- Guides treatment choices in patients with coagulation abnormalities.
- Crucial for pre-operative assessments and anticoagulant therapy monitoring.
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Clotting Time Test Preparation
Here is the basic preparation for the Clotting Time Test.
Before Test
- Comply with any pre-test instructions provided by your healthcare provider, which may include fasting or medication adjustments.
- Inform the healthcare team about your medical history, including any bleeding or clotting disorders, and ask questions for clarification if needed.
- Ensure you understand the purpose of the test and how it will be conducted.
During Test
- Stay calm and cooperative during the venipuncture for the blood sample collection.
- If you experience discomfort or anxiety during the procedure, communicate with the phlebotomist or healthcare provider.
- Follow any instructions provided by the healthcare team during the clotting time test.
After Test
- Allow the healthcare team to complete the test and process the blood sample.
- Ask about the anticipated timeline for receiving your test results and any potential follow-up steps.
- Resume your regular activities unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
Clotting Time Test Procedure
Here is the basic Clotting Time Test Procedure.
- Take a blood sample from the patient through venipuncture using a sterile needle.
- Place the blood into a clean, dry test tube.
- Initiate the clotting process by adding a coagulation-inducing substance (e.g., calcium).
- Monitor the blood for the formation of a stable clot.
- Record the time taken for clot formation.
- Abnormal CT times can signify clotting factor deficiencies or disorders.
Clotting Time Test Result
Here is the basic reading of the Clotting Time Test results.
- CT results are expressed in seconds and represent the time it takes for a blood sample to form a stable clot when exposed to coagulation-inducing substances.
- Prolonged CT times may indicate clotting factor deficiencies or disorders in the intrinsic or common coagulation pathways.
- Normal CT results typically suggest that the patient's clotting process is functioning correctly.
- CT results are an essential component of the coagulation profile, aiding in the diagnosis and management of bleeding and clotting disor
Clotting Time Test Normal Result Report
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Clotting Time Test Normal Report
Clotting Time Test Normal Result Report PDF
Clotting Time Test Abnormal Result Report
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Clotting Time Test Abormal Report
Clotting Time Test Abnormal Result Report PDF
Clotting Time Test Normal Range
Here is the normal range of the Clotting Time Test.
Test |
Normal Range |
Clotting Time |
3 to 10 minutes |
Clotting Time Test Interpretation
Here is the Interpretation of the Clotting Time Test.
Clotting Time Result |
Interpretation |
Shorter than normal |
May indicate a hypercoagulable state. |
Within the normal range |
Indicates normal clotting ability. |
Longer than normal |
Suggests a potential clotting factor deficiency, coagulation disorder, or anticoagulant medication effect. |
Clotting Time Test High Levels
Here are the potential causes of high Clotting Time Test levels:
Potential Causes |
Explanation |
Clotting Factor Deficiency |
Reduced levels of clotting factors. |
Liver Disease |
Liver dysfunction can impact clotting factors. |
Medications |
Anticoagulant medications may prolong clotting time. |
Hemophilia |
A genetic bleeding disorder associated with clotting factor deficiencies. |
Coagulation Disorders |
Various conditions can affect coagulation, leading to prolonged clotting times. |
Clotting Time Test Low Levels
Here are the potential causes of low Clotting Time Test levels:
Potential Causes |
Explanation |
Hypercoagulable State |
Conditions that promote excessive blood clotting. |
Elevated Clotting Factors |
Increased levels of clotting factors. |
Clotting Factor Excess |
Conditions or medications that increase clotting. |
Thrombosis or Hyperthrombotic State |
Excessive formation of blood clots in vessels. |
Inflammatory Conditions |
Some inflammatory diseases can increase clotting. |
Specimen Requirements For Clotting Time Test
Here are the specimen requirements for the Clotting Time Test.
Specimen
|
Blood Plasma
|
Volume
|
1 mL
|
Container
|
Na Cit
|
Collection
|
Plasma Na Cit
|
Storage
|
Room temperature
|
Sample Stability
|
Temperature
|
Period
|
Frozen
|
14 days
|
Causes for Rejection
|
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, and Gross icterus
|
Clotting Time Test is Safe?
The Clotting Time (CT) Test is safe and poses minimal risks to patients.
- It requires a blood sample collection, which is a routine and well-tolerated procedure.
- Risks are generally limited to the standard risks associated with venipuncture, such as minor bruising or discomfort.
When Do You Get Clotting Time Test Results?
- Clotting Time (CT) Test results are typically accessible within a few hours to a few days, contingent on the laboratory's operational schedule.
- Patients are advised to inquire with their healthcare provider or the testing facility for the exact timeframe for receiving the test results.
Clotting Time Test Limitation
Here is the basic limitation of the Clotting Time Test.
- Rarely used in modern clinical practice due to its limitations.
- Not sensitive to mild clotting disorders.
- Doesn't provide information on the specific clotting factors involved.
- Affected by external factors like temperature and handling.
- Replaced by more precise tests such as the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
Clotting Time Test Risk Factors
Here are some of the risk factors of the Clotting Time Test.
- Risk factors for prolonged clotting time may include deficiencies in specific clotting factors, such as factors I, II, V, or X.
- Anticoagulant medications, liver disease, or vitamin K deficiency can affect clotting time.
- Genetic clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, may result in abnormal CT values.
- External factors like sample handling and reagent variations can impact test results.
- CT is not commonly used in modern clinical practice due to its limitations and has been replaced by more precise tests like PT and aPTT.
Doctor Recommendations After Clotting Time Test Result
Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Clotting Time Test.
Clotting Time Test Result |
Doctor to Visit |
Reason for Visit |
High |
Hematologist |
Evaluate clotting disorder |
Normal |
General Doctor |
Routine assessment |
Low |
Hematologist |
Investigate clotting abnormalities |
Clotting Time Test Price
Here are the estimated Clotting Time Test Prices in India with different top cities:
*Clotting Time Test Price are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.
Summary
Overall, Clotting Time Test is played a role in early coagulation research but has since been overshadowed by more accurate and clinically relevant tests, making it of historical interest but of little practical importance today. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.
Reference
- Clotting Time Test - Wikipedia [1].
- Clotting Time Test - NIH [2].