Coagulation
Coagulation laboratory tests
Clot retraction
Author: Jeremy C. Parsons, M.D.
Last author update: 1 June 2012
Last staff update: 14 September 2020
Copyright: 2002-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Clot retraction [title]
Table of Contents
Definition / generalCite this page: Parsons JC. Clot retraction. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/coagulationclotretraction.html. Accessed June 5th, 2023.
Definition / general
- Obsolete test
- Evaluates how well platelets keep the clot adhered to the sides of specimen tube
- Uses whole blood in red top tube
- Examine clot at 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours for clot retraction
- After clot forms, remaining 40 - 60% consists of serum and red blood cell "fall - out" from clot
- Must have normal fibrinogen and hematocrit for test be accurate
- Reduced clot formation:
- Glanzmann thrombasthenia: reduced glycoprotein IIb / IIIa causes reduced platelet aggregation and clot retraction
- DIC, hypofibrinogenemia, dysfibrinogenemia (small clot with increased red blood cell "fall - out")
