Anticoagulant Therapy

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Abstract
A brief discussion of commonly used prothrombin methods is presented. The Quick method is simple to perform but lacks accuracy and precision. The Owren P and P method is accurate and precise but too complicated to be widely accepted in the clinical laboratory. Owren''s thrombotest has been simplified but possesses certain inherent technical disadvantages. A new modification of Owren''s P and P method is described which simplifies the procedure without sacrificing accuracy or precision. Data are presented which demonstrate interference of therapeutic heparin with the Quick method but no effect on the modified Owren method. Thus, reliable prothrombin results may be obtained with the Owren method when heparin is being administered in combination with oral anticoagulants.