Euglobulin lysis time (ELT) is a blood test that looks at how fast clots breakdown in the blood.
Euglobulin clot lysis; Fibrinolysis/euglobulin lysis; ELT
The 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.
No special preparation is usually necessary.
When 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.
This 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).
A normal value will range from 90 minutes to 6 hours. Euglobulin clot lysis is normally complete within 2 to 4 hours.
A 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:
There 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:
Heavy 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.
Schafer 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
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician 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. Copyright ©2010 A.D.A.M., Inc., as modified by University of California San Francisco. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Medical Center. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
