kokonaishyytymiskykyä

Kokonaishyytymiskykyä, often translated as "total clotting capacity" or "whole blood clotting time," refers to the duration it takes for a sample of blood to form a clot under specific conditions. This test is a basic measure of the overall ability of blood to coagulate, encompassing the complex interplay of platelets and clotting factors. Historically, it has been used as a screening tool to detect significant hemostatic defects.

The process involves collecting a blood sample, typically in a clean glass tube, and observing it for clot formation over time. The presence of certain activators or surfaces can influence the clotting time. A prolonged clotting time may indicate a deficiency in one or more clotting factors or severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). Conversely, a shortened clotting time could suggest a hypercoagulable state, though this is less commonly assessed by this specific test compared to more specialized assays.

While historically significant, kokonaishyytymiskykyä has largely been superseded by more precise and sensitive laboratory tests. Modern coagulation diagnostics utilize assays like the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), which evaluate specific pathways of the coagulation cascade and provide more quantitative information about clotting factor activity. However, in certain resource-limited settings or for initial bedside assessments, a basic whole blood clotting time may still hold some utility as a preliminary indicator.