Activated Partial Thromboplastin (APTT)

Its’ Uses: The APTT is commonly used to monitor heparin therapy.

Costs & Procedures: Please see the Blood Test Price List.

There is no fasting required for this blood test.

Interfering Factors: Drugs that may prolong PTT test values include antihistamines, ascorbic acid, chlorpromazine, heparin and salicylates.

Diagnostic Significance:

Increased levels:

* Congenital clotting factor deficiencies
* Cirrhosis of the liver
* Vitamin K deficiency
* Disseminated intravascular coagulation
* Heparin Adminitration
* Coumarin administration

Decreased levels:

* Early stages of disseminated intravascular coagulation
* Extensive cancer

Remarks: The APTT s a clot-based test in which an activator, reagent and calcium are added to the patients plasma, and the time for a clot to form is measured.

What should I do next? Your results are your own. You may wish to bring them to your own GP or practitioner or you can arrange to see an ICIM medical doctor.