Euglobulin lysis time (ELT) is a blood test that looks at how fast clots breakdown in the blood.

The health care provider uses a needle to take blood from one of your veins. The blood collects into an airtight container. You may be given a bandage to stop any bleeding.

The laboratory specialist will run tests on the blood sample to see how fast blood clots dissolve. The dissolving of blood clots is called fibrinolysis.

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.

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.

This is one of the best tests to tell the difference between primary fibrinolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

The test can also be used to monitor patients who are on streptokinase or urokinase therapy for acute MI (heart attack).

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

A longer-than-normal ELT time may be due to:

• Diabetes
• Prematurity

A shorter-than-normal ELT time may be due to:

• Blood vessel injury or surgery
• Cancer of the prostate
• Cirrhosis
• Hereditary deficiency of fibrinogen
• Leukemia
• Pregnancy complications (for example antepartum hemorrhage, hydatidiform mole, amniotic embolism)
• Shock
• Thrombocytopenia purpura

The test may also be done to diagnose or rule out:

• 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

Heavy exercise can cause a shorter-than-normal ELT time.

Increasing age and certain medicines, including corticosteroids, ACTH, streptokinase, and urokinase can cause a longer-than-normal ELT time.

Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Shattil SS, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2005:2007.

Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004; 1656.