Reptilase

Reptilase is an enzyme derived from the venom of the Bothrops atrox snake. It is used in laboratory testing to measure fibrinogen levels in the blood and to differentiate between various coagulation disorders.

Overview

Reptilase is a thrombin-like enzyme that acts on fibrinogen in the blood to form a fibrin clot. Unlike thrombin, however, reptilase is not inhibited by heparin or fibrin degradation products, making it useful in laboratory testing when these substances are present.

Use in Laboratory Testing

The reptilase time test is a blood test that measures the time it takes for a fibrin clot to form after reptilase has been added to a sample of blood. This test is used to measure fibrinogen levels and to differentiate between various coagulation disorders.

In the reptilase time test, a sample of blood is mixed with reptilase. The time it takes for a clot to form is then measured. If the clotting time is prolonged, it may indicate a deficiency in fibrinogen or the presence of substances that interfere with clot formation, such as heparin or fibrin degradation products.

See Also

• Coagulation
• Fibrinogen
• Thrombin
• Bothrops atrox

References

Reptilase Resources
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