•  
  •  

Thrombin

Thrombin is a substance (enzyme) in the bloodstream that is needed for blood to clot. When a person is cut or wounded, thrombin and a protein called fibrinogen make a stringy material that traps blood cells and then gradually decomposes as the area heals.

Only thrombin located at the area of the injury is activated, and only for a few seconds. This process helps prevent a potentially dangerous blood clot, called a thrombus, from forming and traveling through the bloodstream.

Last Revised: December 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.