0
Euglobulin lysis time (ELT) is a blood test that looks at how fast clots breakdown in the blood.
Alternative NamesEuglobulin clot lysis; Fibrinolysis/euglobulin lysis; ELT
How the test is performedThe health care provider uses a needle to take blood from one of your veins. For information on giving a blood sample from a vein, see venipuncture.
The laboratory specialist will run tests on the blood sample to see how fast blood clots dissolve. The dissolving of blood clots is called fibrinolysis.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is usually necessary.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis is one of the best tests to tell the difference between primary fibrinolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
The test can also be used to monitor patients who are on streptokinase or urokinase therapy for acute MI (heart attack).
Normal ValuesA normal value will range from 90 minutes to 6 hours. Euglobulin clot lysis is normally complete within 2 to 4 hours.
What abnormal results meanA longer-than-normal ELT time may be due to:
A shorter-than-normal ELT time may be due to:
- Blood vessel injury or surgery
- Cancer of the prostate
- Cirrhosis
- Hereditary deficiency of fibrinogen
- Leukemia
- Pregnancy complications (for example antepartum hemorrhage, hydatidiform mole, amniotic embolism)
- Shock
- Thrombocytopenia purpura
The test may also be done to diagnose or rule out:
- Spontaneous abortion
- Primary thrombocythemia
There is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Heavy exercise can cause a shorter-than-normal ELT time.
Increasing age and certain medicines, including corticosteroids, ACTH, streptokinase, and urokinase can cause a longer-than-normal ELT time.
ReferencesSchafer A. Hemorrhagic disorders: Disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver failure, and vitamin K deficiency. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 181.
What else can I help you with?
How can you shorten the incubation time during the lysis process?
You can shorten the incubation time during the lysis process by increasing the temperature or using a higher concentration of lysis reagents. Additionally, optimizing the lysis protocol and disrupting the sample more effectively can also help reduce the incubation time.
How long does lysis take for an RBC?
The lysis of red blood cells (RBCs) can occur rapidly, often within minutes to hours, depending on the conditions. For example, lysis can happen quickly in hypotonic solutions where the osmotic pressure causes water to enter the cells, leading to rupture. In contrast, lysis due to factors like immune reactions or bacterial infections may take longer and vary based on the specific circumstances. Overall, the exact time frame can vary widely based on the specific cause of lysis.
What code for lysis of adhesions at time of c-section?
Lysis of adhesions during a cesarean section is typically performed using a combination of meticulous dissection and surgical instruments such as scissors or electrocautery. The surgeon carefully identifies and separates the adhesions while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. There is no specific code exclusively for lysis of adhesions during a C-section; rather, the procedure would be included in the overall coding for the cesarean delivery, often using codes from the ICD-10 and CPT systems that describe the surgical procedure performed. Always consult the latest coding guidelines for accuracy.
How does the amount of antibodies in the blood change after a viral lysis?
After a viral lysis, the amount of antibodies in the blood typically increases as the immune system responds to the infection. Initially, the body produces specific antibodies to target the virus, leading to a peak in antibody levels. Following viral clearance, antibody levels may gradually decline but can remain elevated for some time, providing ongoing immunity. This process is crucial for long-term protection against future infections by the same virus.
How are the glomerular cell walls damaged in glomerulonephritis?
In glomerulonephritis, the glomerular cell walls can be damaged by inflammation and immune system activation. This leads to an abnormal immune response targeting the glomeruli, causing injury to the cells that make up the glomerular walls. Over time, this damage can result in impaired kidney function and protein leakage into the urine.
Why should hep c pcr bloods be spun down immediately?
Hepatitis C PCR blood samples should be spun down immediately to separate the plasma from the cellular components, which helps prevent degradation of the viral RNA. Delayed processing can lead to lysis of cells and contamination, potentially resulting in inaccurate test results. Additionally, prompt centrifugation minimizes the risk of viral load reduction over time, ensuring that the sample reflects the true viral load at the time of collection. Timely handling is crucial for reliable diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Compare and contrast the lytic and lysogenic cycles.?
In the lytic cycle, a virus enters a host cell, replicates quickly, and then bursts the cell to release new viruses. This results in immediate cell lysis and destruction. In the lysogenic cycle, the virus incorporates its genetic material into the host cell's DNA and remains dormant for some time before switching to the lytic cycle. This allows the virus to persist within the host for an extended period without causing immediate harm.
What affects the metabolic breakdown of blood specimens?
The metabolic breakdown of blood specimens can be affected by several factors, including temperature, time elapsed since collection, and the type of anticoagulant used. Elevated temperatures can accelerate metabolic processes, while prolonged storage can lead to cell lysis and changes in analyte concentrations. Additionally, the presence of specific enzymes and the overall condition of the sample, such as hemolysis or contamination, can further influence metabolic breakdown. Proper handling and prompt analysis are crucial to minimize these effects.
what Type of virus that begins to multiply immediately after it enters a cell?
The type of virus that begins to multiply immediately after it enters a cell is called a "lytic virus." These viruses, such as many bacteriophages and some animal viruses, quickly hijack the host cell's machinery to replicate their genetic material and produce new viral particles, ultimately leading to the cell's lysis and death. This process contrasts with lysogenic viruses, which integrate their genetic material into the host genome and may remain dormant for a time before becoming active.
Why pure alcohol is less effective than aqueos alcohol?
Pure alcohol is less effective than aqueous alcohol because the presence of water enhances the alcohol's ability to penetrate cell membranes and disrupt cellular structures. Aqueous alcohol solutions, typically around 60-80% alcohol, allow for better protein denaturation and microbial cell lysis, making them more effective as disinfectants. Additionally, water acts as a solvent that helps in the effective distribution and contact time of the alcohol on surfaces. Thus, the combination of water and alcohol optimizes the antimicrobial action.
Is there salt in blood?
No. Osmosis will cause the red blood cells to release all of their moisture, and at the same time keep all of the materials INSIDE the cell wall. That's where the color comes from. If you use fresh water, or salt free water, osmosis will attempt to balance the salinity between the inside and outside of the cell resulting in cell rupture, called lysis. Salt water does not dry up the blood, it just makes it easier to clean.
What would happen if a suspension of bacteria is placed in a distilled water with penicillin?
eventually the bacteria would die because the penicillin would interfere with the ability to synthesize a cell wall thus the bacteria wouldn't divide. and the existing bacterial cell wall would lengthen and become frail. However, the bacteria must be gram-positive because they have cell walls composed of peptidoglycan, which is ideal for penicillin to attack.
