In: Biology
Coagulation tests measure your blood's ability to clot, and how long it takes to clot. Testing can help your doctor assess your risk of excessive bleeding or developing clots (thrombosis) somewhere in your blood vessels. Coagulation tests are similar to most blood tests. Clotting times measure the time required to form a clot. In most tests, an activator is used to initiate coagulation and test the response of a portion or portions of the cascade model of coagulation. Abnormalities in clotting times can be the result of decreased quantity or function of the coagulation factors involved.
The bleeding observed at mildly reduced temperatures (33 degrees - 37 degrees C) results primarily from a platelet adhesion defect, and not reduced enzyme activity or platelet activation. However, at temperatures below 33 degrees C, both reduced platelet function and enzyme activity likely contribute to the coagulopathy.