Thrombin Time

Notes

This test is only performed after discussion with the Consultant Haematologist.

• This test is carried out in most cases to ascertain whether a sample has been contaminated with heparin.
• Performed at Oxford Haemophilia centre.

Sample Requirements

3ml or 3.5ml Trisodium Citrate sample

Turnaround Times

2 weeks

Sample Storage and Retention

• Pre analysis storage: do not store, send to laboratory within 2 hours.
• Sample retention by lab: Citrate samples are retained for a minimum of 24 hours at 15-30°C. If specialist coagulation tests are requested, one or more aliquots may be frozen until analysis (or up to two months) at between -15 and -40°C. After analysis, these samples will be retained for a further 24 hours at 15-30°C.

This test can be added on to a previous request as long as there is sufficient sample remaining and the sample is less than 4 hours old.

Reference Ranges

Thrombin Time: 14 - 19 seconds