What is Tissue Plasminogen Activator?
Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) is part of the blood clotting system. The body naturally produces the activator to help control blood clotting to ensure blood remains viscous and moving. The level of TPA present in a blood sample is directly dependent on the level of PAI (plasminogen activator inhibitor). Patients with clotting disorders may have too much PAI and thus levels of TPA are lower than normal, leading to increased risk of blood clots and stroke. Patients are given TPA as soon as possible after having a stroke to dissolve blood clots.
Blood tests can be ordered as a result of TPA therapy after stroke or as part of the diagnostic process. TPA levels rise naturally during pregnancy and fall back to normal levels after birth.
Normal Value Range
- Negative Pregnancy Adult: 1.6 to 13 ng/mL
- Pregnancy Trimester One: 1.8 to 6 ng/mL
- Pregnancy Trimester Two: 2.4 to 6.6 ng/mL
- Pregnancy Trimester Three: 3.3 to 9.2 ng/mL