Fibrinolytic Testing
We provide testing of fibrinolytic (clot dissolving) property of blood after consumption of natural products. Blood contains compounds able to form blood clots and compounds able to dissolve blood clots. Some natural products can enhance the ability of the blood to dissolve clots, which may play a positive role in preventing cardiac and peripheral vascular diseases. This enhancement of fibrinolytic capacity of the blood can be supported by:
- oral consumption and uptake of fibrinolytic enzymes;
- by compounds that may induce the body’s own fibrinolytic enzymes and;
- by anti-inflammatory compounds.
NIS Labs uses a modified protocol of the standard euglobulin lysis method. This method is widely used to test clotting disorders and has also been used to compare fibrinolytic capacity of blood from young and old donors, as well as examine differences brought about by pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, and the use of certain medications.
Blood samples are taken from human volunteers before and after consumption of test product. We then take a protein fraction is isolated by precipitation and used to form artificial clots in test tubes. The same protein fraction also contains fibrinolytic enzymes. The density of the clot is measured by its turbidity (light absorption), and kinetic measurements are performed as the clot forms and dissolves. An improvement in the blood sample’s fibrinolytic capacity upon consumption of a test product will be reflected in the maximum turbidity, the time for the clot of to form and then dissolve, as well as the slope of the curve during the time where the clot is being dissolved.
