Update 1996: Blood collection and handling procedures for assessment of plasminogen activators and inhibitors (Leiden Fibrinolysis Workshop)

Procedures of blood collection and handling can be different for the various variables in fibrinolysis. Some of them may require adaptation to the progress in assay methodology and in biochemical and physiological knowledge. During the Leiden Fibrinolysis Workshop 6 in 1996, the procedures described in 1990 for tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its inhibitor (PAI-1), the updates of later years and the extensions to assays of enzyme-inhibitor complexes, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, and to platelet PAI-1 were discussed and summarised. The approach remained as defined earlier: definition of presently known minimal requirements to allow for optimal flexibility in application and for efficient combinations with sampling for other variables, When appropriate, new data are referenced to or summarised to support steps or elements of a procedure.