Coagulogram of blood

Coagulogram is a set of laboratory tests that assess the hemostatic system, meaning the ability of blood to clot and maintain a balance between bleeding and thrombosis.

The analysis is used to identify clotting disorders, assess the risk of bleeding or thrombosis, and monitor anticoagulant therapy.

What the coagulogram measures

The standard set of indicators reflects different stages of the blood coagulation cascade:

• prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) — assessment of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation;
• activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) — assessment of the intrinsic pathway;
• fibrinogen — concentration of the protein from which the fibrin clot is formed;
• thrombin time (TT) — the speed of conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin;
• platelet count — the cellular component of hemostasis;
• D-dimer — a marker of fibrin breakdown, used when thrombosis is suspected.

The assessment is conducted in combination, as an individual indicator does not reflect the entire picture of hemostasis.

Indications for appointment

• preparation for surgeries and invasive procedures;
• suspicion of clotting disorders;
• liver diseases;
• monitoring anticoagulant therapy;
• episodes of unexplained bleeding or thrombosis;
• pregnancy with risk factors.

Preparation for the study

1. inform the doctor about the intake of anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and NSAIDs;
2. do not independently change the dosages of prescribed medications;
3. avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test;
4. if possible, donate blood on an empty stomach and under the same conditions during repeated tests;
5. inform the doctor about accompanying diseases and pregnancy.

Coagulogram and nutrition

Nutrition can affect coagulation indicators through the intake of vitamin K and liver condition. Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of coagulation factors and is primarily found in green leafy vegetables.

When taking vitamin K antagonists, it is important to maintain a stable intake of green vegetables. Sudden changes in diet can affect the INR indicator.