partial thromboplastin time (ptt) Test

A partial thromboplastin time, PTT test measures how long it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. A clot is a thick lump of blood that the body produces to seal leaks, wounds, cuts, and scratches and prevent excessive bleeding. If it takes an abnormally long time for the blood to clot, it can indicate a problem with one or more of several different clotting factors.

This may be a sign of a missing, deficient, or defective clotting factor or factor sliver disease (because many clotting factors are made in the liver)treatment with heparin, a blood-thinning medication.

The Partial Thromboplastin Time side effects, if any, are minor like bruising at the site of puncture site. In few cases people also report of infection at the puncture site, besides that people suffering from blood disorders and are on blood thinning medication can experience excessive bleeding. 

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Test is a screening test used to determine the overall integrity of the intrinsic/common coagulation pathway. The APTT test assesses the coagulation factors in the intrinsic and common procoagulant pathway but, not the extrinsic procoagulant pathway that includes factor VII, tissue factor and factor XIII (fibrin stabilizing factor).

Earlier activated partial thromboplastin time was also used to monitor patients on Heparin therapy but, since November 2016, it has been advised to not use this test as the primary method of heparin monitoring and for this purpose the heparin anti – Xa assay HEPTP has been advised.

The APPT test can be used in the following cases;

• Screening for certain coagulation factor deficiencies.
• Detection of coagulation inhibitors.

Both Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time tests (APTT) are used for the testing of the same thing, the only difference is that in APTT an activator is added to speed up the clotting time and this results in a narrower reference range. The APTT can be said to be the sensitive version of PTT Test.

The activated partial thromboplastin time normal range is between 30 to 40 seconds, while the partial thromboplastin time normal range is between 60 to 70 seconds.

24 to 36 Hours

A Partial Thromboplastin Time test measures the time taken for blood to clot in the human body to identify whether the blood is clotting normally or not. PTT lab test also identifies low levels of blood clotting factors.

A PTT test is done when bleeding abnormalities are found in the human body, whether internal or external.

Preparatory instructions before the test *:

No Fasting Required. No other special preparations required.

The PTT test results can be affected by the use of certain medications like;

• Heparin
• Warfarin
• Aspirin
• Antihistamines
• Vitamin c 
• Chlorpromazine

As such it is important to inform the doctor about your current medical status before undergoing the PTT test.  

Specimen type:Plasma (Blood Sample)

Specimen collection procedure:Venipuncture -- Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm.

An abnormal or prolonged PTT test result could be due to the following factors;

• A reproductive condition 
• Haemophilia A or B
• Deficiency of blood clotting factors
• Von Willebrand disease
• Hypofibrinogenemia
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation

The PTT test cost is not fixed and is found to vary in different cities of the country and in different pathological labs. However, the average PTT test cost averages around the lower side and is economical and easily affordable.

Both Partial Thromboplastin Time Test and Activation Partial Thromboplastin Time Test are a simple blood test that can be easily taken at home and helping you do so is our at – home healthcare services under which bring forth a wide range of healthcare services ranging from doctor’s consultation, nurse’s care to therapies and myriad of lab tests, and PTT lab test and APTT Test is one of them.

All you need to do is just call us to take advantage of our world class healthcare services at the comfort of your home. So if you are looking for PTT test or APTT test, just call us and allow us to help you.