Comparison between a Modified Ethanol Gelation Test and Protamine Sulfate Test. Experimental Studies

Ariel Zielinsky; Raul Altman; Jorge Rouvier

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1648021

Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Table of Contents

Thromb Haemost 1976; 36(01): 165-172
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1648021

Original Article

Schattauer GmbH

Comparison between a Modified Ethanol Gelation Test and Protamine Sulfate Test. Experimental Studies

Authors

Ariel Zielinsky

¹Haemostasis and Thrombosis Section of the Departamento de Docencia e Investigación, U.A.M.I. Rivadavia - Peralta Ramos (Head Raúl Altman, M.D.) Las Heras 2670, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Raul Altman

¹Haemostasis and Thrombosis Section of the Departamento de Docencia e Investigación, U.A.M.I. Rivadavia - Peralta Ramos (Head Raúl Altman, M.D.) Las Heras 2670, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Jorge Rouvier

¹Haemostasis and Thrombosis Section of the Departamento de Docencia e Investigación, U.A.M.I. Rivadavia - Peralta Ramos (Head Raúl Altman, M.D.) Las Heras 2670, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Abstract

Summary

A comparative experimental study has been made to correlate the protamine sulfate test and a modified ethanol gelation test, based on clinical observations of the solubility of a gel formed at 20° C (Godal and Abildgaard procedure) when it was transferred to a bath at 37° C. Two different results were obtained: the gel remained insoluble at 37° C or it became completely soluble, with intermediate degrees of partial solubility.

Our studies indicate that this is due to the amount of fibrin monomers formed and the level of fibrinogen: the first are responsible for the insolubility of the gel and the second for its solubility. This furnishes us with useful information for diagnostic purposes.

We found the protamine sulfate test more sensitive than the ethanol gelation test, and its sensitivity increased when fibrinogen level decreased.

An insoluble gelation test is a sure indication of the presence of fibrin monomers, but a soluble gel calls for the protamine sulfate test to confirm this or the existence of high fibrinogen level.

Full Text

References

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