A MODIFIED QUANTITATIVE WHOLE-BLOOD CLOT LYSIS METHOD FOR GENERAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS OF FIBRINOLYSIS

Because fibrinolysis is now recognized as an important factor in hypercoagulable states, we have developed and characterized an easily performed, rapid, and quantitative screening test that assesses a patient's fibrinolytic activity. This modification of the dilute whole blood clotting time (DWBCT) counts the number of intact erythrocytes released from the clot formed in samples obtained before and after the application of a venous occlusion cuff. Samples were corrected for the plasma volume changes that occurred during venous occlusion. This test was performed on nine healthy volunteers. Specimens were diluted 1:1 with PBS, rapidly clotted with thrombin and incubated at 37 C. Starting thirty minutes after the thrombin was added and then at twenty minute intervals until 110 minutes, the number of RBCs released from the clot were counted using a Coulter S Plus counter. There were consistently more RBCs released at each time period after venous occlusion (p<0.001). Aliquots were also obtained for measuring PAI activity and TPA levels. PAI activity was lower post-cuff at every point (p<0.001). TPA level was higher at every point (p<0.001) post-cuff. The addition of exogenous TPA, activated protein C, or anti-PAI antibodies increased the amount of clot lysis; while the addition of anti-TPA antibodies and EACA each prevented the post-cuff increase. Unlike the euglobulin lysis time (ELT) this modified DWBCT (mDWBCT) measures the patients intact fibrinolytic system, including PAI and erythrocytes, in a quantitative fashion. Unlike either the ELT or the DWBCT the mDWBCT can be performed within two hours, so results are rapidly available for clinical decisions. These studies have demonstrated an easily performed, inexpensive, quantitative screening test of a patient's overall fibrinolytic system that reacts appropriately to pharmacologic manipulations. © 1990.