| Popis: |
An evaluation of the Quick one-stage determination of prothrombin complex activity was undertaken to determine why it has not been entirely satisfactory in clinical practice, and whether its deficiencies can be corrected. Our results indicate that the test is relatively simple, accurate and, except for prolonged exposure of plasma and reagents to water bath temperatures, not seriously affected by common variations in technic. The chief source of error in clinical laboratories appears to be the use of incorrect dilution curves for conversion of plasma clotting time to per cent of normal plasma activity. This difficulty is compounded by the controversy regarding the proper choice of a diluent in making these curves. Until laboratory personnel agree to use the same highly standardized thromboplastin preparation for the test and the same diluent in constructing dilution curves, conversion to per cent of normal plasma activity will not provide a satisfactory basis for comparison of results from different laboratories, and the results are better expressed in seconds. With attention to standardization of technic the one-stage determination of prothrombin, complex activity is a satisfactory method for the control of anticoagulant therapy with coumarin-like agents. |
