What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unusual bleeding or bruising, or if a prior blood clotting test came back with unexpected results. It's often used to check whether medications like heparin are affecting your blood's ability to clot normally, or to help figure out if you have a condition affecting a protein called fibrinogen that's needed for clotting. Your results, along with reflex mixing studies if needed, help pinpoint what's causing an abnormal clotting pattern.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each value's normal range clearly explained, so you can see exactly where you stand. If your thrombin time is prolonged, the next step is usually to look at recent medications (especially blood thinners) and consider retesting once those are addressed, or to review the reflex mixing study results for more clues. A downloadable standard lab report is available anytime from your account, and you can track your results over time using the trends feature to see how they change. If a result suggests a serious clotting problem, seek medical care right away.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who has had a prior blood test show a prolonged clotting time, or anyone on blood thinners like heparin who needs to confirm how the medication is affecting their blood, should consider this test. People with a personal or family history of unexplained bleeding or bruising issues, or a suspected problem with the protein fibrinogen, are also good candidates. It's typically ordered as a follow-up test rather than a first-line screening.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs that may point to a need for this test include unusual bruising, bleeding that takes a long time to stop, frequent nosebleeds, or heavy menstrual bleeding. If a routine clotting test already came back abnormal, that's also a common reason for this more specific follow-up test. Some people are tested simply to monitor how anticoagulant medications are affecting their clotting ability.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. This timeframe allows the lab to run the thrombin clotting time test carefully and complete reflex mixing studies automatically if your initial result is abnormal. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are available in your account.

What is fibrinogen and why does it matter?

Fibrinogen is a protein your liver makes that your body uses to form blood clots and stop bleeding. If you don't have enough fibrinogen, or if it doesn't work properly, your blood may take much longer to clot, leading to excess bleeding or bruising. This test helps identify whether a fibrinogen problem, rather than something else, is behind an abnormal clotting result.

What does a high (prolonged) thrombin time mean?

A prolonged thrombin time usually means something is slowing down the final step of clot formation, most commonly from a blood-thinning medication like heparin, or less commonly from low or abnormal fibrinogen levels. It can also happen with certain direct thrombin inhibitor medications. This is why reflex mixing studies are useful, since they help distinguish medication effects from an underlying fibrinogen issue.

What causes an abnormal thrombin clotting time?

The most common cause is the presence of heparin or a direct thrombin inhibitor medication (like dabigatran or argatroban) in the blood at the time of the draw. Other causes include low fibrinogen levels, abnormal fibrinogen structure, or, rarely, substances in the blood that interfere with normal clotting. Medications like warfarin or factor Xa inhibitors typically do not affect this specific test.

How often should I retest?

If you're on a blood thinner like heparin, your results may need to be rechecked periodically to confirm the medication is at the expected level, based on your treatment plan. If your first test was abnormal due to a suspected fibrinogen issue, retesting after addressing any medication effects can help clarify the cause. Otherwise, this test is generally not part of routine periodic screening and is used on an as-needed basis.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

First, check whether you've recently taken any blood-thinning medications, since these are a common and expected cause of a prolonged result. If your levels remain abnormal after accounting for medications, or if you're experiencing active bleeding or bruising, consider the reflex mixing study results and seek medical care to further investigate a possible fibrinogen disorder. Keeping a record of your medications and symptoms will help make sense of the pattern over time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Thrombin Clotting Time Test - Blood Clotting Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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