Laboratory findings in case of DIC are: The platelet count is low. Blood film shows the features of microangiopathic hemolytic anaemia. There is presence of schistocytes and fragmented red cells (helmet shaped) due to damage caused by trapping and passage through the fibrin thrombi. Prothrombin time, thrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time, are all prolonged. Plasma fibrinogen levels are reduced due to consumption in microvascular coagulation. Fibrin degradation products (FDPs) are raised due to secondary fibrinolysis. D-dimer levels are raised in DIC. Clot observation test (Weiner)—It is an useful bed side test. It can be repeated at 2–4 hours intervals. 5 ml of venous blood is placed in a 15 ml dry test tube and kept at 37°C. Usually, blood clot forms within 6-12 minutes. This test provides a rough idea of blood fibrinogen level. If the clotting time is less than 6 minutes, fibrinogen level is more than 150 mg percent. If no clot forms within 30 minutes, the fibrinogen level is probably less than 100 mg percent.
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