The 125I-fibrinogen euglobulin clot-lysis test

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hematology

Background:

• Plasma fibrinolytic activity is crucial for hemostasis.
• Existing methods for measuring fibrinolysis have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new, quantitative method for determining the rate of plasma fibrinolytic activity.
• To establish a reliable index of overall fibrinolytic activity.

Main Methods:

• Modification of the euglobulin clot-lysis test by adding I-labeled fibrinogen in vitro.
• Quantification of fibrinolysis rate through monitoring radioactivity release from the clotted euglobulin fraction over time.
• Expression of the fibrinolysis rate as a fibrinolysis constant.

Main Results:

• The mean normal fibrinolysis constant in 17 adult volunteers was determined to be 0.14 +/- 0.09 (2 SD).
• The method allows for quantitative and kinetic assessment of fibrinolytic activity.
• The technique does not require complete clot dissolution for endpoint determination.

Conclusions:

• This novel method offers a more precise and quantitative assessment of plasma fibrinolytic activity.
• The use of the individual's own fibrinogen enhances the reliability of the test.
• The fibrinolysis constant provides a valuable kinetic index for evaluating fibrinolytic function.