The Silica Clotting Time (SCT) is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the function of the blood’s clotting ability by measuring the time it takes for blood to form a clot after silica is added to a blood sample. The test is performed by collecting a blood sample and introducing silica, a substance that activates the clotting process, to see how long it takes for the blood to clot. The SCT is primarily used to assess the presence of clotting disorders, such as deficiencies in clotting factors or abnormal platelet function. It is commonly administered when a patient has unexplained bleeding or clotting issues, or when there is a need to assess coagulation function during surgery, trauma, or in individuals with liver disease, vitamin K deficiencies, or other bleeding disorders. The SCT may also be used in certain preoperative evaluations or to monitor patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.