APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)
The APTT Test measures the time it takes for a blood clot to form. Specifically, it assesses the functionality of the intrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade (the complex series of steps your blood takes to form a stable clot).
This test is critical for diagnosing bleeding disorders, monitoring patients on certain blood-thinning medications, and evaluating unexplained bleeding or clotting.
The APTT test is used to investigate and manage clotting and bleeding conditions, particularly:
- Monitoring Heparin Therapy: It is the primary test used to monitor patients receiving standard unfractionated Heparin (a common injectable blood thinner) to ensure the dosage is therapeutic but not dangerous.
- Diagnosing Bleeding Disorders: Evaluating inherited deficiencies of specific clotting factors (like Factors VIII, IX, XI, or XII), which cause conditions like Haemophilia A and B.
- Detecting Lupus Anticoagulant: Identifying the presence of the Lupus Anticoagulant (part of Antiphospholipid Syndrome), which paradoxically increases the risk of thrombosis (clots).
- Pre-Surgical Screening: Assessing a patient's clotting ability before major surgery to predict and prevent excessive bleeding.
