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KEY TERMS
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)—A condition in which spontaneous bleeding and clot formation occur throughout the circulatory system. DIC can be caused by transfusion reactions and a number of serious illnesses.
Fibrin—The protein formed as the end product of the blood clotting process when fibrinogen interacts with thrombin.
Fibrinogen—A type of blood protein called a globulin that interacts with thrombin to form fibrin.
Plasma—The liquid part of blood, as distinct from blood cells.
Prothrombin—A protein in blood plasma that is converted to thrombin during the clotting process.
Thrombin—An enzyme in blood plasma that helps to convert fibrinogen to fibrin during the last stage of the clotting process.
Thromboplastin—A protein in blood that converts prothrombin to thrombin.
Warfarin—A drug given to control the formation of blood clots. The PT test can be used to monitor patients being treated with warfarin.
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Author Info: John T. Lohr PhD, The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 2002 |
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