In this section the various coagulation pathway factors are discussed individually, with emphasis on abnormalities for which laboratory tests are useful. Factor I (fibrinogen) Fibrinogen is a glycoprotein that is synthesized in the liver, the liver being a major source of many coagulation factors. Conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin under the influence of thrombin is […]
Certain laboratory tests are extremely helpful in suggesting or demonstrating the presence of hemolytic anemia. Which tests give abnormal results, and to what degree, depends on the severity of the hemolytic process and possibly on its duration. Reticulocyte count. Reticulocyte counts are nearly always elevated in moderate or severe active hemolytic anemia, with the degree […]
Several laboratory tests are commonly used to screen for or establish a diagnosis of chronic iron deficiency. The sequence in which abnormal test results appear is given in the box below. In a normal adult on a normal diet made iron deficient by repeated phlebotomy (for experimental reasons), it takes about 3 months before significant […]
One of the more interesting phenomena in medicine is the scenario under which new tests or new uses for old tests are introduced. In most cases the initial reports are highly enthusiastic. Also in most cases there is eventual follow-up by other investigators who either cannot reproduce the initial good results or who uncover substantial […]
