CLOTTING TIME

When a physician prescribes a clotting time test, it usually causes one to wonder why it is required and what it entails. This is a basic but important examination that assists in the determination of the efficiency of your blood clotting after an injury. Knowing your clotting time test price and its purpose can help you take preventive steps for better health.

What Is This Test?

A clotting time blood test measures how long it takes for blood to clot once it leaves the body. It assists in identifying the abnormalities of the coagulation process. In case the blood vessels become damaged, the body triggers some factors related to clotting to prevent bleeding. In case of a slowdown or excessive speed of this process, it can indicate a hidden disorder.

Why Is It Done?

Physicians use this test to identify bleeding and clotting disorders. It assists in the detection of haemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, liver impairment, or anticoagulant drug side effects. It is also advised prior to operations or in cases of prolonged, inexplicable bleeding following minor surgery or wounds.

Major Benefits of Early Testing

Early testing results in early diagnosis and management of possible coagulation issues. It is used to avoid excessive bleeding in the course of surgery or delivery. Early detection of abnormal outcomes can also warn doctors of underlying liver or bone marrow cases. Early intervention prevents life-threatening conditions such as haemorrhage or thrombosis.

How Is the Test Done?

A tiny blood sample is taken, the sample is observed to identify the time it takes to clot. There is no special preparation that is normally needed. 

What Is the Average Clotting Time of Blood?

The normal range of clotting time is 8 to 12 minutes. The outcome can be somewhat different based on the type of testing applied. A result that falls out of the range of 15 minutes is regarded as prolonged. In case of a long clotting time, the possibility of a lack of clotting factors or anticoagulant inhibitors is possible.

Clotting Time in Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, her body automatically becomes hypercoagulable to avoid undue bleeding during childbirth. This causes the blood clots to form faster. Although it is a protective mechanism, it predisposes the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The greatest risk is during the first trimester and six weeks after delivery. 

How Many Clotting Factors are Present In Our Blood?

The blood has 13 known clotting factors. They are:

• Factor I - Fibrinogen
• Factor II - Prothrombin
• Factor III - Thromboplastin (Tissue Factor)
• Factor IV - Calcium Ions
• Factor V - Proaccelerin (Labile Factor)
• Factor VI - (Obsolete, no longer used
• Factor VII - Proconvertin (Stable Factor)
• Factor VIII - Antihaemophilic Factor A
• Factor IX - Antihaemophilic Factor B (Christmas Factor)
• Factor X - Stuart-Prower Factor
• Factor XI - Plasma Thromboplastin Antecedent
• Factor XII - Hageman Factor
• Factor XIII - Fibrin-Stabilising Factor

Abnormal bleeding or clotting predisposition may be caused by a lack of any of the factors.

Test Price and Availability

The clotting time test price in Delhi generally ranges from ₹100 to ₹300, depending on the diagnostic centre. Reputable centres such as City X-Ray & Scan Clinic provide timely and accurate reports to help in making a better clinical judgment.

When your physician has prescribed a clotting test, book your test with us for free home sample collection and quick, reliable results. Having early tests is the guarantee of proper diagnosis and further management if needed.