Coagulation

Coagulation laboratory tests

Clot retraction



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PubMed Search: Clot retraction [title]

Jeremy C. Parsons, M.D.
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Table of Contents
Definition / general
Cite this page: Parsons JC. Clot retraction. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/coagulationclotretraction.html. Accessed March 28th, 2024.
Definition / general
  • Obsolete test
  • Evaluates how well platelets keep the clot adhered to the sides of specimen tube
  • Uses whole blood in red top tube
  • Examine clot at 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours for clot retraction
  • After clot forms, remaining 40 - 60% consists of serum and red blood cell "fall - out" from clot
  • Must have normal fibrinogen and hematocrit for test be accurate

  • Reduced clot formation:
    • Glanzmann thrombasthenia: reduced glycoprotein IIb / IIIa causes reduced platelet aggregation and clot retraction
    • DIC, hypofibrinogenemia, dysfibrinogenemia (small clot with increased red blood cell "fall - out")
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