thrombin

(thrŏm′bĭn )

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[Gr. thrombos, clot]

1. An enzyme formed in coagulating blood from prothrombin, which reacts with soluble fibrinogen converting it to fibrin, which forms the basis of a blood clot.
SEE: blood coagulation
2. A sterile protein prepared from prothrombin of bovine origin. It is used topically to control capillary oozing during surgical procedures. When used alone, it is not capable of controlling arterial bleeding.

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