An Automated Approachto Characterize, in Simple KineticTerms, the Generation and

Here, we used a fully automated, computer-directed centrifU-gal analyzer (which permitted simultaneous turbidimetry and calculation of results) and purifed thrombin, fibrinogen, and various inhibitors to study clot formation. The l and Vmfor these reactionswere useful in detecting and partlycharacter-izing anticoagulants. We also explored the generation and inactivation of thrombin, using the two-stage prothrombin time and antithrombin activity tests. The amount of thrombin instantaneously generated and inactivated was monitored under artificially created pathological conditions. The pseu-do-first-order rate constant for thrombin generation and inac-tivation and the instantaneous concentration of enzymatically active and inactive thrombin were used in the characteriza-tion of these conditions. We believe this approach is suitable for routine clinical use