When any blood vessel is ruptured, the proteins in the blood known as clotting factors initiate the formation of a blood clot that halts bleeding rapidly. But when there isn’t sufficient clotting factor in the blood, the blood clots don’t form well, which leads to excessive bleeding. Additionally, when clotting factors do not function well, it can result in the formation of clots in the blood vessels. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test typically measures the time taken by the blood to clot. It is a quick and easy-to-perform test and is usually taken as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test.
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What Is The APTT Test?

The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test determines the time a blood clot takes to form. This blood test is used to evaluate blood clotting in people with medical conditions like haemophilia or von Willebrand’s disease. It also monitors the effects of blood thinner medications like heparin or warfarin.

There are various factors that can affect the APTT test such as age, race, gender, and use of medication. In most situations, the APTT is taken as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

Also Read: Prothrombin Time Test/PT Test: Procedure, Risks And Results

How Is A Blood Clot Formed?

The clotting process happens in two steps. In the first process, platelets attach to the interior surface of the blood vessel walls. And in the second process, platelets release chemicals called clotting factors that lead to the thickening of the blood and form a visible scab.

Generally, the APTT test is helpful in detecting any problems in the clotting process and these can develop due to:

  • A problem with the body’s ability to form a clot due to lack of specific types of proteins called a coagulation factor
  • A lack of “proteolytic” thrombin in blood, which is a protein that helps the blood clot
  • An abnormally shaped or developed platelet

Who Needs  APTT Test?

The APTT test is usually recommended to screen and evaluate:

  • Unexplained bruising or bleeding
  • Thromboembolism
  • Recurrent miscarriages
  • Chronic liver diseases

In a person with symptoms of lupus, then this test is done to check if they have a type of blood cell disorder called autoimmune disease.

An APTT blood test is used to determine D-dimer, which is a substance usually released by blood when a blood clot is formed. D-dimer can be identified in the blood for up to a week after trauma, surgery, or a medical procedure. It is a marker of your system’s attempt to heal itself after the episode.

Also Read: 5 Natural Blood Thinners That May Prevent Stroke

How Is The APTT Test Performed?

This test is done in the laboratory or hospital. A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm using a needle with a tiny tube attached to it (the intravenous (IV) line). You can get the test results within 2 hours.

How Accurate Is The APTT Test?

The APTT test is very precise and the extent of variation among different tests is very low. This blood work is a relatively perfect for determining the presence of blood clots. However, it is not 100% precise, as certain medications like heparin can cause the APTT to be falsely high.

What Do Results Mean?

Generally, APTT test results’ normal range varies from person to person. In healthy adults, the APTT can be less than 35 seconds. Whereas the prolonged result indicates the presence of a low level of inflammation.

If the test is prolonged, then it may indicate that person may have lupus, or a condition called Sjogrne’s syndrome.

Prolonged results are not good for health.

APT/ APTT ratio of greater than 1.0 is linked to underlying heart problems and abnormal cardiac function, a lower ratio is within normal limits. A higher APT/ APTT ratio is observed in individuals who are younger and have a higher resting pulse rate.

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