Coagulation (hemostasis and thrombosis)
"Our objective is the early diagnosis, prevention and modern and individualized treatment of venous thromboembolic disease in any of its forms".
DR. RAMÓN LECUMBERRI VILLAMEDIANA CODIRECTOR. HEMATOLOGY AND HEMOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT
What is hemostasis? Phases of hemostasis.
Hemostasis is a defense mechanism of the body that is activated after a trauma or injury that prevents blood loss from inside the blood vessels.
It is divided into two phases:
- Primary hemostasis: Platelets adhere to the injured surface and add to it to form the "platelet haemostatic plug".
- Secondary hemostasis or blood coagulation: in this phase, the activation of multiple plasma proteins produces the formation of a fibrin clot that prevents blood from flowing out.
When is the coagulation study indicated?
Congenital alterations:
Hemophilia: a bleeding disorder that manifests itself in males and is characterized by the presence of multiple hemorrhages, especially hemarthrosis.
Von Willebrand's disease: a bleeding condition that can occur in both men and women.
Various congenital defects of coagulation factors.
Acquired alterations:
- Decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia).
- Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis).
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation.
- Coagulation alterations in the context of various chronic inflammatory processes (uremia, autoimmune diseases, etc.).
- In some physiological situations such as pregnancy, a moderate alteration of coagulation tests can also be detected, but the appearance of hemorrhages is infrequent.
Diseases in which the coagulation test is requested:
- Von Willebrand disease.
- Frequent bleeding.
- Pulmonary thromboembolism.
- Venous thrombosis.
Do you have any of these diseases?
It may be necessary to perform some coagulation tests
Coagulation studies
Study of hemostasis
The main tests for detecting a bleeding suspected of coagulation disorder are:
- Determination of the number of platelets.
- Prothrombin time.
- Partial thromboplastin time.
These last two tests detect the time it takes for the blood clot to form in a test tube.
A lengthening of these times would indicate a disorder in the coagulation mechanism that would require further study of the individual factors involved. Such tests are also useful for the control of treatment with anticoagulant drugs.
For the analysis of a coagulation disorder that predisposes to thrombosis, special tests are required in reference laboratories where molecular studies of coagulation proteins can be carried out.
Study of thrombosis
Thrombosis is the formation of a clot or thrombus inside a blood vessel that obstructs blood circulation.
The causes of thrombosis can be genetic or acquired (cancer, surgery, trauma, etc).
Currently, there are laboratory tests that can identify genetic and acquired causes of thrombosis.
To this end, the coagulation laboratory carries out an analytical battery aimed at identifying the states of hypercoagulability that predispose to thrombosis.
The detection of an alteration would also allow the study of direct relatives in whom prophylactic measures could be indicated to prevent thrombosis.
Where do we do it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Hematology and Hemotherapy Service of the
at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Hematology Service of the Clinic, formed by specialists of recognized national and international prestige, has integrated molecular diagnostic techniques and the use of new personalized treatments in its assistance work, allowing a more precise and fast diagnosis of the hematological diseases.
The joint work of the medical staff and the researcher facilitates the development and application of the new treatments and at the same time the precise evaluation of the result of the treatments.
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in the development of Cellular Therapy treatments.
- International reference center in lymphomas, multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathies.
- Experts in the diagnosis and treatment of hemorrhagic and thrombotic problems.
Our team of professionals
