A SIMPLE METHOD FOR EVALUATING PROTHROMBIN TIME IN SEVERE LIVER-DISEASE

A measurement of prothrombin time by a new, whole blood capillary syst em was evaluated for use in severe liver disease, such as fulminant an d chronic hepatic failure. The measurement required a single drop of f resh, whole blood and was easily performed at bedside. Results were av ailable within 5 minutes after collection of the blood samples. Good c orrelation was observed between prothrombin time values determined by the rapid method and those determined with the laboratory method (r =. 89). The laboratory method was used as a reference. The whole blood sy stem may be especially helpful in emergency situations, when central l aboratory services are not available.