Euglobulin lysis time
| Euglobulin lysis time | |
|---|---|
| Test of | Overall fibrinolysis |
The euglobulin lysis time (ELT) is a test that measures overall fibrinolysis. The test is performed by mixing citrated platelet-poor plasma with acid in a glass test tube. This acidification causes the precipitation of certain clotting factors in a complex called the euglobulin fraction. The euglobulin fraction contains the important fibrinolytic factors fibrinogen, PAI-1, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen, and to a lesser extent α2-antiplasmin. The euglobulin fraction also contains factor VIII.[citation needed]
After precipitation, the euglobulin fraction is resuspended in a borate solution. Clotting is then activated by the addition of calcium chloride at 37 °C. Historically, subsequent amount of fibrinolysis was determined by eye, by observing the clot within the test tube at ten-minute intervals until complete lysis had occurred.[1] Newer automated methods have also been developed. These methods use the same principle as the older technique, but use a spectrophotometer to track clot lysis as a function of optical density.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Kowalski, E.; Kopeć, M.; Niewiarowski, S. (1959). "An Evaluation of the Euglobulin Method for the Determination of Fibrinolysis". Journal of Clinical Pathology. 12 (3): 215–8. doi:10.1136/jcp.12.3.215. PMC 479903. PMID 13654539.
- ^ Smith, Amy A.; Jacobson, Linda J.; Miller, Brian I.; Hathaway, William E.; Manco-Johnson, Marilyn J. (January 2003). "A new euglobulin clot lysis assay for global fibrinolysis". Thrombosis Research. 112 (5–6): 329–337. doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2004.01.001. PMID 15041279.