Criteria for specific measurement of plasminogen (enzymatic; procedure) in human plasma

There is a lack of well-established criteria for the specific measurement of fibrinolytic variables. On behalf of the SSC the Subcommittee on Fibrinolysis started a process to develop such criteria. This report describes the criteria for the measurement of plasminogen (enzymatic; procedure) in human plasma. Apparently, the most specific methods for determination of plasminogen (enzymatic; procedure) adhere to the principle of streptokinase induced activation of plasminogen and recording of activity using a chromogenic substrate. Incorporation of fibrinogen attenuates the potential effect of elevated fibrinogen or fibrin(ogen) fragments in the plasma sample. The criteria for specific measurement of plasminogen(enzymatic; procedure) are based on this analytical principle. The kinetics and principles of the assay procedure are described, and criteria as well as test methods for criteria are detailed. Guidelines for standardization, quality assurance, analytical sensitivity and establishment of reference intervals are given. The pre-analytical conditions regarding preparation of the patient and the specimen are delineated. Nonstandard abbreviations: SSC, Scientific and Standardization Committee; ISTH, The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis; IFCC, The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry; NCCLS, National Center for Clinical Laboratory Standards; HRG, histidine-rich glycoprotein; Lp(a), lipoprotein (a); SK, streptokinase.