A

alpha2 antiplasmin

Major inhibitor of plasmin produced and secreted by hepatocytes and stored in platelet alpha granules.

ACA

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies

Acquired Platelet Function Defect

Non-hereditary diseases or associated conditions that cause the platelets to not function properly. MEDLINEplus

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time ( APTT)

Time in seconds required for clot formation in recalcified blood plasma after the addition of contact activators and platelet substitutes (phospholipids). APTT is used to monitor therapy with heparin and other anticoagulants.see also PTT

Activated Protein C (APC) Resistance

An acquired or inherited condition associated with an increased risk of venous thrombosis and most commonly associated with a mutation in the factor V gene. Patients with APC resistance have limited anticoagulant response to APC.

Activated Prothrombin Complex Concentrates

Two prothrombin complex concentrates are purposely "activated" so that they contain some FIX, FX, etc. in active form (FIXa, FXa, etc.).

Afibrinogenemia

The absence of fibrinogen in the blood.

Aggregometry

A quantitative assessment of platelet cohesion in a photometer by the detection of changes in light transmission through a suspension of platelets in plasma. The light transmission pattern is analyzed in response to a variety of agonists.

ALP

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alpha granule

A platelet storage organelle that contains hemostatic proteins.

Amino Acid

An organic compound containing an amino group (NH2), a carboxylic acid group (COOH), and any of various side groups, especially any of the 20 compounds that have the basic formula NH2CHRCOOH, and that link together by peptide bonds to form proteins or that function as chemical messengers and as intermediates in metabolism.

Angiology

The study of blood and lymph vessels. Gray's Anatomy

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of an antigen. It defends the body against substances identified by the immune system as potentially harmful. MEDLINEplus

Anticoagulant

A substance that prevents the clotting of blood also used in the prophylaxis and treatment of clotting disorders. see also oral anticoagulants

Antifibrinolytic

Inhibiting the breakdown of fibrin.

Antiphospholipid

Plasma IgG, IgM, or IgA antibodies against protein phospholipid complexes.

Antithrombin (AT)

Naturally occurring anticoagulant that inactivates thrombin, factors Xa, IXa, XIa, XIIa, and kallikrein, also enhanced by heparin. Also called Antithrombin III, ATIII. MEDLINEplus

Antigen

A substance that induces the formation of antibodies because it is recognized by the immune system as a threat. It may be a foreign (nonnative) substance from the environment (such as chemicals) or formed within the body (such as bacterial or viral toxins). MEDLINEplus

Antiphospholipid Syndrome

A disorder that is characterized by hypercoagulability due to the presence of antibodies against phospholipids.

Aorta

The main trunk of the systemic arteries, carrying blood from the left side of the heart to the arteries of all limbs and organs except the lungs. Gray's Anatomy

Apolipoprotein (Apo)

Any of various proteins that combine with a lipid to form a lipoprotein and are a constituent of chylomicrons, HDL, LDL, and VLDL.

Apoptosis

Disintegration of cells into membrane-bound particles that are then eliminated by phagocytosis or by shedding.

Arteriole

One of the small terminal branches of an artery, especially one that connects with a capillary.

Arteriosclerosis

A chronic disease in which thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls result in impaired blood circulation. It develops with aging, and in hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other conditions.

Atherosclerosis

A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of atheromatous plaques containing cholesterol and lipids on the innermost layer of the walls of large and medium-sized arteries.

Artery

Any of the muscular elastic tubes that form a branching system and that carry blood away from the heart to the cells, tissues, and organs of the body. Gray's Anatomy