Reptilase, a specialized enzyme derived from snake venom, acts on fibrinogen, and converts it into fibrin, similar to the final steps of coagulation with natural thrombin. Heparin has no effect on its activity, unlike thrombin. The test is recommended when traditional clotting tests are affected by heparin, providing information on clotting ability independent of thrombin and aiding in managing coagulation disorders.
References:
- Karapetian H. Reptilase time (RT). Methods Mol Biol. 2013;992:273-7. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-339-8_20. Accessed on Jan 31st,2024.
- Cunningham MT, Brandt JT, Laposata M, Olson JD. Laboratory diagnosis of dysfibrinogenemia. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2002 April;126(4):499-505. doi: 10.5858/2002-126-0499-LDOD.Accessed on Jan 31st,2024.
- Data on File: PureLab DOS V5, November 10th, 2023.
