INFLUENCE OF TIME, TEMPERATURE AND ANTICOAGULANTS ON THE DETERMINATION OF T-PA ACTIVITY

In blood both tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and its fast ac ting inhibitor PAI-1 are present. Upon blood collection and plasma pre paration the reaction between these components is still possible, lead ing to an erroneously low determination of t-PA activity. In this stud y the effect of handling speed, temperature and anticoagulant on the m easured t-PA activity is determined. It was found that handling speed, temperature and type of anticoagulant and PAI-1 level have influence on the t-PA activity measured. Rapid acidification appears the method of choice: Stabilyte vacutainers are the most suitable way for blood c ollection for t-PA activity measurement.