Reptilase time
(RT)

Sample type:

blood sample

Uses:

Evaluation of a prolonged thrombin time: It is mainly used to confirm or exclude the presence of heparin in the specimen or specimen type Evaluating hypofibrinogenemia or dysfibrinogenemia in conjunction with the thrombin time and fibrinogen assay

Precautions:

1. Spin down, remove plasma, and spin plasma again.

2. Freeze plasma immediately (no longer than 4 hours after collection) at -20 degrees C, or ideally < or =-40 degrees C.

3. Double-centrifuged specimen is critical for accurate results as platelet contamination may cause spurious results.

4. Each coagulation assay requested should have its own vial.

Interfering factor:

• Prolonged tourniquet constriction, vigorous vein preparation, or excessive pumping of the fist (decrease).

• Hemolysis due to excessive probing at the venipuncture site or to rough handling of the sample.

• Failure to place the collection tube and sample on ice

Pre-analytical errors:

• Coagulation samples should not be transported or stored on ice

• Coagulation samples for platelet function studies must be maintained at room temperature

Post analytical errors:

• Check instrument settings

• Assure that all preventive maintenance has been done

• Carry out troubleshooting functions called for in the SOP

• Call for equipment support

Corrective action:

• Assure that the prescribed preventive maintenance for the instrument is performed

The reference range

is similar to the Thrombin time and is generally in the range of 13-15s.