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Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time

Also referred as

Partial Thromboplastin Time

For men & women

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The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) also known as partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is a screening test that helps evaluate a person’s ability to form blood clots appropriately.

This test is performed to detect bleeding and clotting disorders and to monitor the treatment with blood-thinning medicines. In case of unexplained bleeding, inappropriate blood clotting, or recurrent miscarriages and sometimes before a scheduled surgery aPTT test is performed. This test is usually performed with other tests like prothrombin time and thrombin time to measure the clotting time accurately.

Values greater than normal, could be due to bleeding disorder or liver disease. Values less than normal indicate that you may have a higher chance of getting blood clots and several miscarriages.

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What does Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time measure?

The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) test measures the time taken by the blood to form a clot after the addition of substances (reagents) which activate the clot formation.

In case of any bleeding, the body responds to stop the blood loss as quickly as possible by forming a blood clot. This process of blood clotting or coagulation is called hemostasis and involves a series of chemical reactions in the blood (coagulation cascade). During this process, the blood proteins called coagulation factors get activated one after another in a series. The activated coagulation factors lead to the formation of fibrin mesh around the platelets and other blood cells at the site of bleeding and this complex hardens to form a “blood clot”.

Coagulation cascade proceeds by two pathways, the intrinsic pathway, and the extrinsic pathway. These pathways later merge together into a common pathway. The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) test measures the functioning of Blood Coagulation Factors I, II, V, XII, VIII, IX, X, and XI, along with other factors Prekallikrein (PK), and High Molecular Weight Kininogen (HK) which form parts of the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways.

The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) test measures the time taken by the blood to form a clot after the addition of substances (calcium and phospholipid emulsion) which activate clotting. The aPTT test result is compared to a control sample of normal blood.

The aPTT test is usually performed along with Prothrombin Time (PT) test to evaluate the cause of a coagulation defect, if any. PT test assesses the functioning of Blood Coagulation Factors I, II, V, VII, and X, which are parts of the extrinsic and common pathways by measuring the time taken for conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.

FAQs related to Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time

What diseases can affect blood clotting to cause bleeding disorders?

Certain inherited conditions and diseases that can cause bleeding disorders include: · Hemophilia · Clotting factor deficiency · Vitamin K deficiency · Liver diseases · Bone marrow disorders · von Willebrand disease · Immune system diseases · Cancers like leukaemia

What are some apparent symptoms of bleeding or clotting disorders?

Visible signs of bleeding or clotting disorders include: · Unexplained heavy bleeding · Abnormal menstrual bleeding in women · Bruising and bleeding easily · Frequent nosebleeds · Bleeding gums · Repeated heart attacks or strokes

Is there any preparation required before the aPTT test?

Inform the doctor of any medications you may be taking as certain medications like antihistamines, warfarin, herbal medicines, etc. can affect the test results. In case of a patient who is receiving heparin therapy by intermittent injection, the sample should be taken 30-60 minutes before the next dose of heparin. Whereas the sample can be drawn at any time in a patient receiving a continuous heparin infusion. No other specific preparations are usually required before the aPTT test.

What factors can affect the aPTT test results?

Certain medications like antihistamines, ascorbic acid, chlorpromazine, heparin, Vitamin K supplements and salicylates may affect the test results. A high temperature can also alter the result.

What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case of abnormal aPTT test result?

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal aPTT test result are: · Platelet Count · Thrombin Time Test · Prothrombin Time Test (PT) · Heparin Neutralization Assay · Fibrinogen Test · Coagulation Factor Tests · von Willebrand Factor Test · Liver Function Test (LFT)

Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

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