The term "Cephalin Kaolin Coagulation Time" refers to a laboratory test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot. The spelling of this term can be challenging, but using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can help break it down. Cephalin is spelled /ˈsɛfəlɪn/, Kaolin is spelled /ˈkeɪəlɪn/, and Coagulation is spelled /koʊˌæɡjəˈleɪʃən/. By breaking down the spelling of this term using IPA, it becomes easier to understand and pronounce correctly.
Cephalin Kaolin Coagulation Time (CKCT) is a medical laboratory test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot. It is primarily used to assess the function of the intrinsic clotting pathway, which involves various clotting factors in the blood.
During the CKCT test, a patient's blood sample is mixed with a combination of cephalin, a phospholipid substance derived from brain tissue, and kaolin, a clay-like substance. These substances activate the intrinsic clotting pathway by interacting with factors present in the blood. The test measures the time it takes for the blood to form a visible clot, which indicates the coagulation ability of the blood.
A longer CKCT indicates a slower clotting time and may suggest an underlying clotting disorder, such as a deficiency in one or more clotting factors. This test is often performed as part of a coagulation profile to help diagnose conditions such as hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or certain liver diseases that affect clotting factors production.
The CKCT test is typically performed using an automated coagulation analyzer or manually in a laboratory setting. Results are reported in seconds, with normal values depending on the laboratory and reference range used.
It is important to note that the CKCT test is just one of several tests available to evaluate hemostasis and determine the overall coagulation profile of an individual. Results are interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings to aid in a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.