The term “coagulation” can be defined as clotting. However, explaining the coagulation mechanism with just one word is not sufficient. For the body to maintain its life, coagulation events must function regularly.
In the event of potential injury to blood vessels, the coagulation system is activated to prevent excessive blood loss and minimize the damage at the site of the wound. Through various reactions and processes, a clot forms at the bleeding site, and the mechanism is completed once the bleeding stops.
Coagulation is a complex and intricate process. When damage occurs to a blood vessel wall, the vessel narrows to reduce blood flow to the affected area. Cells that reside in the inner wall of the vessel activate many cells and systems involved in the coagulation mechanism.
The activated cells tightly adhere to each other at the damaged site, forming a plug. This marks the first and most critical step in clotting. Additional factors and fibrin networks that join the plug ensure the power needed to stop the bleeding. Afterward, the internal repair of the bleeding area remains.
Coagulation helps stop bleeding while also preventing any obstruction in the vessel. In this way, it plays a role in facilitating an effective healing process without disrupting the body’s internal balance. The circulation of blood and the continuity of cells in this circulation are maintained by the coagulation mechanism.
Coagulation tests are used to assess bleeding tendencies in patients before any treatment process. These tests evaluate various factors that play an active role during the coagulation process.
The first step is to take a blood sample from the patient. The collected sample should be stored in a tube suitable for the test, with the patient’s details noted on the tube. The faster the coagulation test result is obtained, the lower the risk of errors in the test.
For adults, blood should be placed in citrate tubes. After collection, the tube should be gently inverted 2-3 times, but never shaken. Also, if the sample is smaller than the required amount for the test, the test should not be performed.
Coagulation test results can sometimes be misleading. This is because the tests may not fully reflect the hemostatic mechanism. Some of the coagulation tests include prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen level, thrombin time, and platelet count.
This is the most frequently used type of coagulation screening test. It checks the levels of factors 2, 7, and 10, as well as prothrombin and fibrinogen, to detect deficiencies. The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is examined.
This test is preferred to examine the function of factors involved in the intrinsic and common pathways. If there is any deficiency or dysfunction in the factors, the test values will be higher than expected.
This test involves examining plasma to which an excessive amount of thrombin has been added. It examines the final stage of clotting, where fibrinogen is converted into fibrin. The presence of hepatitis in the sample may cause unexpected changes in the test result.
This test is based on adding thrombin to plasma and measuring the clotting time afterward. It should be performed with the understanding that fibrinogen levels should be higher in older individuals, women, and pregnant women.
Private Viromed Laboratories ensure that all rules are followed during coagulation tests, providing safe and accurate results. The hygienic environment of the laboratory helps ensure that the results are delivered quickly and accurately.
Laboratory results play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases. Therefore, we must be aware of any factors that could cause test results to be inaccurate and prevent them from affecting the test.
The personal health history of the patient can affect the accuracy of test results. For example, increased fibrinogen levels in a pregnant woman are normal, but not expected in non-pregnant individuals.
The condition of the sample used for coagulation testing is very important for accurate results. If the purity of the sample is compromised or if it contains substances that are not normally present, incorrect results may occur.
Coagulation tests can be affected by factors such as food consumed during the day or activities performed. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the timing of blood collection. Blood taken after a 10-12 hour fast in the morning is the most suitable sample for coagulation tests. During this period, only water should be consumed, and particularly smoking, tea, and coffee should be avoided.
As with many other tests, medications taken by the patient can affect the results of coagulation tests. If the patient regularly takes one or more medications, it is advised to inform the doctor before the test. Unless the doctor advises otherwise, there is no problem in continuing the medication.
In coagulation tests, the physical characteristics of the sample donor are also important, as molecules may increase depending on body weight and muscle density, resulting in higher-than-expected test results. Therefore, relying solely on the result without considering other factors may sometimes mislead the doctor and patient.
If the blood taken from the patient is contaminated with bacteria or has lost its purity, the coagulation test result may differ. Therefore, it is recommended to store the blood in a sealed container that will not interact with external substances.
Coagulation tests can be influenced by various factors, potentially leading to a wrong impression of the patient’s health status.
Private Viromed Laboratories work diligently and meticulously to prevent these factors from affecting the test result. This way, the laboratory has earned the trust of patients.
Clotting disorders are caused by problems at any stage of the coagulation mechanism.
These diseases, which can severely affect the patient’s life, can be inherited from parents to children or may occur later in life.
Coagulation disorders must be clinically monitored, and if possible, a treatment plan should be created to minimize their effects. Untreated cases can lead to severe consequences, such as death due to excessive blood loss.
Thrombocytopenia is a disease characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood. Platelets are normally responsible for clotting at the site of bleeding. When platelet levels drop, the first symptoms are various forms and amounts of bleeding.
In mild thrombocytopenia, no treatment may be necessary, while patients with severe thrombocytopenia may need medication to stabilize their health.
Von Willebrand factor, a protein found in the blood, normally helps with clotting. If the amount of this protein is decreased or its function is impaired, the disease is called Von Willebrand disease.
Von Willebrand disease is almost always inherited, but it can rarely develop in older adults. It usually has no symptoms, and the diagnosis is made through coagulation tests.
Vitamin K deficiency occurs when the body does not receive an adequate amount of vitamin K, there is a problem with the absorption of vitamin K, or the body produces insufficient amounts of it.
Easy bruising, bleeding from the nose and gums, and heavy bleeding are symptoms of vitamin K deficiency. Typically, external vitamin K supplementation is recommended for treatment.
Hemophilia refers to bleeding that occurs in joints and muscles. Hemophilia A is caused by a deficiency of factor 8, while Hemophilia B is due to a deficiency of factor 9.
Hemophilia is a rare inherited disorder, and the replacement method is preferred for its treatment. Missing coagulation factors in the body are injected into the bloodstream, correcting the deficiency.
Many coagulation disorders detected through coagulation tests can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment. Private Viromed Laboratories provide coagulation tests, helping you detect any disorder and quickly return to a healthy life.
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