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Home > Blog > APTT Test - Purpose, Normal Range, Procedure, Preparation

APTT Test - Purpose, Normal Range, Procedure, Preparation

APTT Test - Purpose, Normal Range, Procedure, Preparation

Max Lab

Jun 06, 2023

Are you scheduled for an APTT test and wondering what it entails? The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test is a medical procedure that evaluates blood clotting. It's a crucial diagnostic tool used to diagnose bleeding disorders, monitor anticoagulant therapy, and assess the risk of developing blood clots. However, like most medical tests, it can be intimidating if you don't know what to expect. In this blog post, we'll discuss everything you need to know about the APTT test – from why you need it to how to prepare for it and what might affect your results! So sit tight as we walk through this informative journey together!

What is the APTT test?

The APTT test is a laboratory procedure that measures the time it takes for blood to clot. It's usually used to evaluate the function of intrinsic and common pathways involved in blood coagulation, which includes factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, X, V and II.

Why do I need this test?

The APTT test, or activated partial thromboplastin time test, is used to evaluate the blood's ability to clot properly. There are a few reasons why someone may need this test done.

Firstly, if you have a bleeding disorder or experience frequent bruising and bleeding, your doctor may order an APTT test to determine whether there is an issue with your blood clotting. This can help diagnose conditions such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease.

Additionally, if you will be undergoing surgery or starting certain medications that can affect blood clotting (such as heparin), your doctor may order an APTT test beforehand to ensure that it is safe for you to do so.

In some cases of recurrent miscarriages or unexplained pregnancy complications, an APTT test may be ordered to check for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which can cause issues with fetal development and increase the risk of blood clots.

What are the Risks of the APTT test?

The APTT test is a commonly performed blood test that helps to assess the effectiveness of certain medications, including heparin. While it is generally considered safe and low-risk, there are some potential risks associated with this procedure.

One of the most common risks associated with the APTT test is bleeding or bruising at the site where the blood was drawn. However, this risk is typically very low and can be minimized by applying pressure to the puncture site after the procedure.

In rare cases, patients may experience more serious complications such as infection or damage to nearby tissues or organs during a venipuncture. However, these risks can also be minimized by ensuring that only trained professionals perform this procedure using sterile equipment.

How to Prepare for the APTT test?

Preparing for the APTT test is important to ensure accurate and reliable results. Firstly, it's essential to inform your doctor about any medications that you're currently taking as some drugs may interfere with the test results.

Secondly, make sure to mention if you have any bleeding disorders or are on blood-thinning medications like warfarin or heparin. In such cases, your doctor may advise you to stop taking them temporarily before the test.

Additionally, fasting is not required for this test; however, it's recommended that you avoid heavy meals and caffeine-containing beverages before getting tested.

What Might Affect My APTT Test Results?

Several factors can affect the accuracy of your APTT test results. One of them is certain medications you might be taking, such as heparin or warfarin, which could interfere with the blood clotting process and lead to abnormal results.

Another factor that may impact your test results is an underlying medical condition. Conditions such as liver disease, hemophilia, lupus, or von Willebrand disease can all affect blood clotting and lead to abnormal APTT readings.

Your diet could also affect your APTT test results. Consuming foods rich in vitamin K can interfere with blood thinning medications and cause inaccurate measurements in the APTT test.

The timing of the test may also play a role in determining accurate results. If you have just undergone surgery or suffered from trauma recently, it's best to wait until you've healed before taking an APTT test since these conditions could lead to temporary changes in blood clotting times.

How Accurate is The APTT Test

The accuracy of this diagnostic tool depends on several factors such as the testing methodology used, the reagents employed in the process, and the quality control measures put in place during sample analysis. A well-conducted APTT test can accurately detect coagulation disorders associated with bleeding and thrombotic conditions. However, results may be affected by various variables like medications, genetic factors or even technical errors during collection or processing of samples.

Results of The APTT test

This test measures the time it takes for clot formation to occur within a sample of plasma after activating certain factors involved in the clotting cascade. The results of the APTT test can provide valuable information regarding potential bleeding or clotting disorders. An elongated APTT value may indicate an underlying factor deficiency

  • Hemophilia A or B
  • Blood clotting such as factor VIII, IX, XI and XII
  • Lupus Anticoagulant Syndrome (LAS)
  • von Willebrand disease
  • Vitamin K deficiency
  • liver disease

Time Required for APTT Test

The APTT test is a diagnostic blood test that measures the time it takes for your blood to clot. It can be used to evaluate and monitor bleeding disorders, liver disease, and other conditions that affect blood coagulation. If you have been recommended by your doctor to undergo an APTT test, you may wonder how long it will take.

The good news is that the APTT test itself usually takes just a few minutes to perform in a medical office or lab setting. However, you should expect to spend some additional time waiting before the procedure begins. This may involve filling out paperwork or undergoing preliminary tests or assessments.

Conclusion

The APTT test is an important diagnostic tool that helps healthcare providers identify potential blood clotting disorders. This simple and quick test measures the time it takes for a patient's blood to form a clot, providing valuable information about their overall health.

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