Partial Thromboplastin Time » Pathology Laboratories » College of Medicine

Additional Information:

Aliases

PTT activated partial thromboplastin time
aPTT
Partial thromboplastin time
Partial thromboplastin time, activated

UFHPL Epic order code: LAB325

UFHPL – Core Laboratory Recommendations for Anticoagulant Therapy

Although the prothrombin time (PT) and activated thromboplastin time (aPTT) are both affected by vitamin K antagonists (Coumadin) and by heparin, the PT/INR is the recommended first-line assessment of Coumadin therapy.

As an alternative to aPTT measurements for unfractionated heparin, a direct heparin assay can be performed. Heparin is measured as anti-Xa units. Indeed, this is the recommended modality of assessing low molecular weight heparin therapy, since the aPTT is a poor indicator of the response to LMW heparin.

There is increasing use of direct thrombin inhibitors, such as Argatroban. We recommend monitoring the latter with the aPTT using a prolongation of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times the baseline.

Anticoagulation therapy monitoring should be done in careful consultation with the UF Health Pharmacy and the UF Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology.

CPT Code(s):

85730

Specimen Requirements:

Type: Plasma (sodium citrate, platelet-poor)

Container/Tube: Light blue (3.2 percent sodium citrate)

Sample Volume: 2 mL of platelet-poor plasma; 0.5 mL minimum

Storage:

Ambient: 4 hours
Frozen: 1 month

Unacceptable Conditions:

Clotted or hemolyzed samples
EDTA plasma
Serum

Specimen Retention Time: 5 days

Use:

Monitoring heparin therapy (unfractionated heparin); Screening for certain coagulation factor deficiencies; Detection of coagulation inhibitors such as lupus anticoagulant, specific factor inhibitors, and nonspecific inhibitors.

Methodology:

Electromagnetic endpoint detection

Reported:

Within 24 hours