[kjaonline]

Okay, I tried searching for this for an hour now.. Anyone have background on this? How it is done and how it is different from other coagulation tests

Thanks!

[emtb2rn]

Here's what MDAdvice.com had to say.

Purpose of test:
Assesses intrinsic system of blood coagulation.
Monitors effectiveness of heparin therapy* but less accurately than the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

http://www.mdadvice.com/library/test/medtest455.html

[Daytonite]

From Mosby's Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health Dictionary, 6th edition, page 983

"Lee-White method [Roger I. lee, American physician, b. 1881; Paul D. White, American physician 1886-1973; Gk, meta, beyond, hodos, way], a method of determining the length of time required for a clot to form in a test tube of venous blood. It is not specific for any coagulation disorder but is often used to monitor coagulation during heparin therapy. Because normal values and precise methology vary, instructions are provided by most laboratories. See also clotting time."

Lee-White coag time is an old name for the test and I've hardly seen it used much anymore. This test is rarely used today and has been replaced by platelet counts and other tests of platelet functions. It is also called a clot retraction, clotting time test or just plain coagulation time. It is used to evaluate the presence of a bleeding disorder. Clot retraction is "the shrinking of the clot that forms when blood is allowed to stand, due to the fibrin network formed in the clot." (Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary). Retraction time/clotting time is a generalized result that will be prolonged when there is a decreased platelet count or abnormal platelet function. The time it takes for a clot to form, separate from clear serum in a glass tube and for the edges to retract from the sides of the glass tube is noted.

• http://www.mdadvice.com/library/test/medtest455.html