A simple method for evaluating prothrombin time in severe liver disease.
A measurement of prothrombin time by a new, whole blood capillary system was evaluated for use in severe liver disease, such as fulminant and chronic hepatic failure. The measurement required a single drop of fresh, whole blood and was easily performed at bedside. Results were available within 5 minutes after collection of the blood samples. Good correlation was observed between prothrombin time values determined by the rapid method and those determined with the laboratory method (r = .89). The laboratory method was used as a reference. The whole blood system may be especially helpful in emergency situations, when central laboratory services are not available.
Dehara
K
K
Division of Gastroenterology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.
Yoshiba
M
M
Inoue
K
K
Sugata
F
F
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000097:blood; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011517:Prothrombin Time