Prothrombin consumption index (PCI)

Last updated: Friday, 02, April, 2004

This test is rarely performed.

MBS Online Search Page: Click here for details

Item Process
Specimen

Collection by laboratory staff.

Method

Comparison of the ability of serum and plasma to clot added fibrinogen in a test based on prothrombin time.

PCI is the plasma clotting time divided by the serum clotting time x 100%.

Reference Interval

<30%.

Application

Test rarely used as a measure of platelet factor 3 availability.

Interpretation

An abnormal PCI indicates impaired availability of platelet membrane phospholipid (PF3) for coagulation.
See also Platelet factor 3 (PF3) availability.

Reference

Chanarin I ed. Laboratory Haematology. Churchill Livingstone 1989.

Parry DH et al. Br J Haematol 1980; 44: 323-334.