APTT Test: Normal Range, Purpose, Results and More

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Clotting Time (APTT) helps measure how long it takes your blood to form a clot. Isn’t that interesting? 

A healthcare provider suggests the test to monitor blood clotting in people suffering from hemophilia or von Willebrand’s disease. Additionally, the test can be prescribed to track the effectiveness of blood thinners such as heparin or warfarin. 

Let’s discover it in detail. 

What is Aptt?

Before we detail the apartment, here is a small piece of information you may like to know. It says that any of the several different clotting factors missing for any reason can affect the duration of the clotting process. The intrinsic pathway comprises factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, X, V, II (prothrombin), and fibrinogen. 

In other words, the APPT test is a diagnostic tool that helps assess blood clotting ability, rule out bleeding disorders, and determine the reason for unexplained bleeding.

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/womens-health/white-discharge-before-period-causes-symptoms-treatment/

10 Symptoms Associated with an APPT test: 

1. Easy bruising or bleeding
2. Unstoppable bleeding
3. Heavy menstrual bleeding
4. Recurrent prolonged nosebleeds
5. Pain and swelling
6. Blood in feces or urine
7. Swelling, pain, or redness in legs
8. Shortness of breath
9. Wounds that take longer to heal
10. Symptoms of liver disease such as jaundice, fatigue and weakness

What is the purpose of the Appt test?

The APPT test has several purposes. Its results can detect abnormalities or deficiencies in the clotting factors, resulting in bleeding disorders or inappropriate clot information. 

Top 5 Reasons Why a Doctor Recommends an APTT test: 

Your healthcare provider may suggest an APPT test because: 

1. Unexplained bruising or bleeding: The primary reason why your healthcare provider may suggest an APPT test is to find the reason for unexplained bruising or bleeding. Sometimes, bruising that seems easy could take a toll on your health, indicating a serious blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. Hence, it becomes crucial to seek medical advice if you see frequent bruises on your face without knowing any specific reasons. 

Conditions such as Hemophilia A and B, Von Willebrand disease, and other clotting factor deficiencies can lead to excessive bleeding or bruising. 

2. Recurrent miscarriages: An APTT test is indirectly associated with recurrent miscarriages. It acts as a predictive parameter. Abnormal APPT test results can indicate underlying clotting disorders, which may cause complications in pregnancy, including recurrent miscarriages. 
3. Monitors anticoagulation therapy: In addition to these two reasons, the test also helps monitor anticoagulation therapy, which helps prevent blood clots. Additionally, there are abnormalities in the diagnosis of coagulation.

4. Detects liver disease: The test may also be suggested to assess liver disease assessment. Abnormalities in coagulation are linked to liver dysfunction, helping doctors assess liver-related clotting problems. 

5. To check autoimmune conditions: The APTT test is also done if you have symptoms of autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. 

Other reasons why a doctor suggests an APTT Test:

• To monitor heparin therapy: Apart from the abovementioned reasons, the test may also be prescribed to monitor heparin therapy. It is a blood-thinning medicine prescribed for conditions like pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and stroke prevention. The test may help a doctor adjust the dosage and ensure the medicine gives favorable results. 
• Pre-surgical evaluation: Assessing the functioning of clotting helps a doctor minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure. 
• Investigating unexplained blood clots: If you develop a sudden or recurrent blood clot without knowing the actual reason, an APTT test can help identify clotting disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or factor VIII excess.

No matter the reason, if your doctor has suggested an APTT test, do not delay. Get yourself tested. Discuss your doubts and concerns with your healthcare provider. Prompt diagnosis is key to swiftly implementing controlling measures and preventing further complications. 

How can you prepare for the APTT Test?

The APTT test is quick and usually part of a complete blood count (CBC). It is crucial if you have a clotting disorder or are taking blood thinners. Following a few instructions can help you receive the most accurate APTT test results. 

• No fasting is needed. You can eat your regular meals except for non-veg before the test. Staying hydrated can help make the blood draw easier. 
• Avoid heavy exercises: Weight lifting or strenuous exercise before the test can cause hormonal fluctuations. 
• Medication review: Before the test, inform your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or medications that may influence clotting. 

What can you expect during the APTT test?

During the APTT test, a healthcare provider will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The phlebotomist will puncture the site with a needle and collect the blood in a collection tube. He will label the tube and send it to the laboratory for analysis. 

During the blood test, the phlebotomist may puncture the site more than once to find a suitable vein, causing discomfort. The needle insertion site may also develop redness. However, these symptoms can go quickly. 

Although rare, if you experience heavy bleeding or any unusual symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately. 

Do not hesitate to share your concerns with your healthcare provider or the blood draw expert before and during the test to help experience a convenient draw. 

APTT Normal Range

An APTT normal range means a clotting time between 25 and 35 seconds. However, the APTT test results can vary depending on age, gender, and equipment. Hence, standard normal results are likely to differ in each lab. 

Conditions: 

1. Prolonged APTT: If your APTT test takes longer than usual, this condition indicates several things, such as a low level of inflammation in your body. This may also mean you have an autoimmune condition like lupus or Sjogren's syndrome. Additionally, it may mean liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or genetic issues like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. 
2. Shortened APTT: Although rare, your APTT test results may show an unusually short clotting time, indicating a sign of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), increased risk of blood clots (thrombosis), miscarriage, or bleeding. 
3. An APTT ratio > 1.0 indicates heart disease and abnormal cardiac function. On the other hand, a lower APTT ratio is considered normal. 

5 factors affecting the APTT test results

The normal range for the APTT test is typically 25 -35 seconds, but variation can occur. Several factors can affect the accuracy of APTT test results su, such as: 

• Medical conditions: The first and foremost factor affecting the APTT test results include conditions such as liver disease, which produces clotting factors. Besides, hemophilia (A or B), indicating deficiencies of clotting factors VIII or IX, can cause prolonged APTT. Additionally, Von Willebrand Disease (VMD) which affects VIII and platelet function, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which causes bleeding, and lupus anticoagulant (LA) can cause prolonged APTT.
• Underlying conditions such as liver disease, sepsis, or malignancies may affect blood clotting time. 
• Medications: Excessive heparin levels can prolong clotting time. Warfarin and other anticoagulants affect PT/INR but may influence APTT. Aspirin and NSAIDs can indirectly alter APTT by affecting platelet function. 
• Sample handling, including improper storage, underfilled tubes, or clotting in the tube, could affect your results. 
• Diet and lifestyle: Smoking, drinking, and eating unhealthy food can affect your APPT test results. 

Hence, proper sample collection and discussing medication or underlying medical conditions with your doctor before the test can help you receive the most accurate test results. 

How can you manage abnormal APTT test results?

If your APTT test range is abnormal, it may mean prolonged or shortened APTT and can be managed with a tailored approach, including: 

Above Normal Range or Prolonged APTT

An APTT above the normal range means slower blood clotting, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding. Steps to manage above-normal APTT: 

1. Further testing: After seeing your reports, your doctor may order additional tests to learn more about your blood clots. These may include: 

• Activated whole thrombin time test (ACT): A blood test monitors the high doses of unfractionated heparin therapy. 
• A Prothrombin time test (PT) is a blood test that measures the time that the plasma of your blood clots. 
• Thrombin time test (TT): The test measures the time blood plasma takes for blood clotting.
• Dilute Russell Viper Venom Test (DRVVT): The test checks for lupus anticoagulants, indicating a problem with your immune system. 

2. Medication adjustment: To manage prolonged APTT, a doctor may adjust the dosage for heparin therapy. Regular APTT monitoring ensures the establishment of the correct therapeutic APTT range. 

3. Treat underlying medical conditions: Doctors may suggest blood transfusions or clotting factor replacement to treat the underlying infection or trauma. 
4. Diet and lifestyle: If your APTT test range is high due to vitamin K deficiency, your doctor is likely to increase your intake of vitamin K-rich foods such as leafy greens and broccoli. Supplementation may also be needed. 

Below Normal Range or Shortened APPT 

A shortened APTT test indicates faster blood clotting, resulting in an increased risk of thrombosis. Steps to manage the below normal APTT: 

• Hypercoagulable States that occur due to Factor V Leiden, APTT, doctors may suggest anticoagulant therapy, blood thinners) to prevent dangerous blood clots. Warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that aids in slowing clot formation. Besides, it interferes with vitamin K-rich foods to balance the diet. 
• High fibrinogen levels occur due to inflammation, infection, or cancer, you may be advised to stay hydrated and treat underlying conditions. 
• For high estrogen levels that occur due to pregnancy or birth control pills, doctors may consider alternative contraceptive methods. He may also monitor clotting risks during the gestation period. 
• For dehydration: Drink more and more water to increase the viscosity. 

Other Tips to Balance APTT: 

• Follow your prescribed doses of anticoagulants carefully. 
• Eating a well-balanced diet is essential. 
• Stay active as it helps maintain proper blood circulation. 
• Regular testing is important if you have a history of clotting or bleeding disorders. 

Redcliffe Labs and APPT Normal Range

If your doctor suggests an APTT test depending on the underlying medical condition, get yourself tested at home with Redcliffe Labs. With the facility of home sample collection, the Redcliffe Labs assures professional blood draw from the comfort of your room. 

Call directly or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book the APTT test online. 

Stepwise information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.

Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

Once booked, the blood collection expert will visit you carrying all the essentials to collect the blood sample. Once collected, he will send it to the Redcliffe Lab for the expert analysis and report generation. The APPTT test reports are typically available within 10 hours.

Consult your APTT test results with your healthcare provider for personalized management and advice. 

FAQs

1. Can an APTT test confirm all bleeding disorders?

An APTT test certainly helps diagnose certain bleeding disorders, other tests such as PT is often used for a comprehensive evaluation. 

2. What is the difference between PT and APTT test?

A PT is a prothrombin time (PT) test and APTT is an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test. Both these blood tests differ in the clotting factors they assess and in the pathways they evaluate. 

3. How often should you get tested for an APTT Test?

The frequency of getting tested for APTT depends on your underlying medical condition. Regular screening and monitoring may be required if you are taking heparin therapy; else, occasional testing may be suggested.