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Test Name: THROMBIN TIME
Test Code: 2189277
Alias: LAB9677
CPT Code(s): 85670  
Preferred Specimen:

1.0 mL plasma
Container: 1 - full Sodium Citrate (blue) tube
Minimum Volume: 1 - full Sodium Citrate (blue) tube
Collection Instructions: Invert tube 5 to 10 times immediately after filling and transport to the lab at room temperature.
*NOTE:  For patients on heparin, specimen must be centrifuged within 1 hour of collection and tested within 4 hours if kept at room temperature or refrigerated.  To increase stability send frozen.  Centrifuge the specimen for 15 minutes within 1 hour of collection.  Using a plastic pipette, remove the plasma taking care to avoid the WBC/platelet buffy layer and transfer the plasma into a properly labeled transfer tube. Centrifuge the transferred plasma a second time and transfer platelet poor plasma into a new properly labeled transfer tube. Label tube as "platelet poor".  Freeze immediately and transport to the lab frozen.

*Send both the transfer tube (frozen) and the original tube (room temp) to the lab.
Transport Temperature:

Room temperature
Stability:

Room temperature centrifuged or uncentrifuged:  4 hours

Frozen:  14 days (platelet poor plasma)
Rejection Criteria:

Hemolysis
Clotted 
Underfilled tube
Schedule: Set up: Daily; Results in 24 hours
Method:

Electromagnetic clot detection
Clinical Significance:

Thrombin time is prolonged by:

Thrombin inhibitors, such as unfractionated heparin, low molecular weight heparin (eg. Enoxaparin [Lovenox]), Lepirudin (Refludin), Argatroban, and Dabigatran (Pradaxa)

 

Fibrinogen quantitative abnormality

 

Fibrinogen qualitative abnormality (dysfibrinogenemia)

 

Inhibitors of fibrin monomer polymerization (ie. fibrinogen degredation products and/or some paraproteins)

 

 
Reference Ranges:

Refer to patient report.

The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.
Test Type: