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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Euglobulin lysis timeDefinitionEuglobulin lysis time (ELT) is a blood test that looks at how fast clots breakdown in the blood. Alternative NamesEuglobulin clot lysis; Fibrinolysis/euglobulin lysis; ELT How the Test is PerformedThe health care provider uses a needle to take blood from one of your veins. For information on giving a blood sample from a vein, see venipuncture. The laboratory specialist will run tests on the blood sample to see how fast blood clots dissolve. The dissolving of blood clots is called fibrinolysis. How to Prepare for the TestNo special preparation is usually necessary. How the Test Will FeelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing. Why the Test is PerformedThis is one of the best tests to tell the difference between primary fibrinolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The test can also be used to monitor patients who are on streptokinase or urokinase therapy for acute MI (heart attack). Normal ResultsA normal value will range from 90 minutes to 6 hours. Euglobulin clot lysis is normally complete within 2 to 4 hours. What Abnormal Results MeanA longer-than-normal ELT time may be due to: A shorter-than-normal ELT time may be due to:
The test may also be done to diagnose or rule out:
RisksThere is very little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others. Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
ConsiderationsHeavy exercise can cause a shorter-than-normal ELT time. Increasing age and certain medicines, including corticosteroids, ACTH, streptokinase, and urokinase can cause a longer-than-normal ELT time. ReferencesSchafer A. Hemorrhagic disorders: Disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver failure, and vitamin K deficiency. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 181. Review Date: 3/2/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
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