What sample is required?
The determination is made from a venous blood sample.
Is some kind of prior preparation necessary?
For this test you do not need any special preparation.
Why do the analysis?
As part of an investigation of a bleeding episode or a thrombotic (clot formation) event; to monitor anticoagulant therapy with standard (unfractionated) heparin; as a screening test before surgery or other invasive procedure.
When to do the analysis?
When you suffer from bleeding or clot formation in an inexplicable way; before repeat abortions; when you are under anticoagulant treatment with standard (unfractionated) heparin; sometimes, as part of a preoperative study.