1. The thrombin test for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) consists in the demonstration that PNH hemolysis in vitro is increased by the addition of a small amount of thrombin. This ability of thrombin is not substantially changed by preliminary removal of the heterophil antibodies which are present in commercial preparations of bovine thrombin, provided the test is performed in the way it was originally described.

2. Dilution of the serum with saline and the addition of imidazole buffer abolish the phenomenon of thrombin enhancement of PNH hemolysis.

3. Certain commercial thrombin preparations contain additives which inactivate the PNH hemolytic system. These materials are unsuitable for use in the thrombin test.

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© 1960 by American Society of Hematology, Inc.
1960
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