This is a test that measures the euglobulin lysis time in blood. The euglobulin lysis time is a measure of the activity of the fibrinolytic (clot-breakdown) system.

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.

A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an airtight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

For an infant or young child, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. Cotton or a bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.

No special preparation is usually necessary.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

This is one of the best tests to differentiate primary fibrinolysis from DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation). The test can also be used to monitor streptokinase or urokinase therapy in patients with acute MI (heart attack).

The euglobulin lysis test evaluates fibrinolysis (that is, the dissolution of a blood clot). The fibrinolytic system normally breaks down small fibrin deposits. When this system is abnormally overactive, any fibrin clot that is formed will be rapidly dissolved, thereby resulting in a bleeding tendency.

A normal value will range from 90 minutes to 6 hours. Euglobulin clot lysis is normally complete within 2 to 4 hours.

In primary fibrinolysis (for example, caused by streptokinase administration, cancer of the prostate, shock), the euglobulin lysis time is shorter than normal.

In DIC, it is usually normal, but if all the plasmin has been consumed, the time may be prolonged.

• Decreased fibrinolysis (increased lysis time) may indicate:
  • Diabetes
  • Prematurity
• Increased fibrinolysis (shortened lysis time) may indicate:
  • Cirrhosis
  • Extensive vascular (blood vessel) trauma or surgery
  • Hereditary deficiency of fibrinogen
  • Leukemia
  • Obstetric complications (for example antepartum hemorrhage, hydatidiform mole, amniotic embolism)
  • Prostate cancer
  • Shock
  • Thrombocytopenia purpura

• Spontaneous abortion
• Primary thrombocythemia

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

• Increased fibrinolysis (decreased lysis time) may result from vigorous exercise.
• Increased fibrinolysis may result from increasing age.
• Increased fibrinolysis may result from streptokinase or urokinase administration.
• Drugs that may increase fibrinolysis include corticosteroids and ACTH.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.