Typical laboratory findings in DIC include which combination?

• A. Increased platelets and increased fibrinogen
• B. Decreased platelets and prolonged PT/PTT
• C. Elevated RBC count
• D. Normal coagulation studies

Answer: (B)

DIC is a consumption coagulopathy where widespread activation of coagulation uses up platelets and clotting factors. This leads to low platelets (thrombocytopenia) and prolonged coagulation tests (PT and PTT) because factors II, V, VII, and X are consumed. While fibrinogen can also decrease and D-dimer may rise due to fibrinolysis, the essential lab pattern is a combination of decreased platelets and prolonged PT/PTT, which matches the described findings. The other patterns—higher platelets or fibrinogen, an elevated RBC count, or normal coagulation studies—do not reflect the consumptive process seen in DIC.