Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1126 page)

Suggested Reading

Mann SJ, Pickering TG. Detection of renovascular hypertension: State of the art.
Ann Intern Med.
1992;117:845.

PLASMINOGEN
*

   Definition

   Plasminogen is the inactive, circulating precursor of plasmin, the final product of the fibrinolytic system. Therapy with plasminogen activators results in the generation of plasmin and intended thrombolysis.

   
Normal range:
70–113%.

   Interpretation

Decreased In

   Congenital: rare reported cases; may result in a predisposition to thrombosis

   Acquired: severe DIC, pathologic fibrinolysis, or as the result of thrombolytic therapy, and in liver disease

PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR INHIBITOR 1 (PAI 1)
*

   Definition

   PAI 1, an inhibitor of plasminogen activation is synthesized in endothelial cells, in platelets, and by the liver.

   
Normal range:
0.0–22.0 IU/mL.

   Use

   This test may be used in rare cases with a tendency to thrombosis when no other cause is identified.

   Interpretation

Decreased Values

   Difficult to determine because the normal range can be as low as 0.0