Which test is used to assess the clotting ability of blood?

The coagulation panel is specifically designed to assess the clotting ability of blood. It measures various components involved in the coagulation process, including clotting factors and their activity. Common tests included in a coagulation panel are Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), and sometimes International Normalized Ratio (INR). These tests help diagnose bleeding disorders, monitor anticoagulant therapy, and evaluate the function of the coagulation cascade.

In contrast, the basic metabolic panel provides information on glucose levels, electrolyte balance, and kidney function, which are important for general metabolic status but do not specifically assess blood clotting. The complete blood count (CBC) primarily evaluates overall health by measuring red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets, offering some insight into bleeding risk but not a direct assessment of coagulation. Likewise, liver function tests primarily focus on assessing liver health by measuring enzymes, bilirubin, and proteins related to liver function, rather than providing direct information on the blood's clotting ability.