A Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) test measures the time it takes for a blood clot to form. Normally, when you get a cut or injury that causes bleeding, proteins in your blood called coagulation factors work together to form a blood clot. The clot stops you from losing too much blood.
You have several coagulation factors in your blood. If any factors are missing or defective, it can take longer than normal for blood to clot. In some cases, this causes heavy, uncontrolled bleeding. A PTT test checks the function of specific coagulation factors. These include factors known as factor VIII, factor IX, factor XI, and factor XII.
Other names: activated partial thromboplastin time, aPTT, intrinsic pathway coagulation factor profile
To investigate possible bleeding disorders, blood clots (thrombotic episode), and miscarriages, to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and to monitor unfractionated (standard) heparin anticoagulant therapy.
Investigative testing should be done in the cases of unexplained bleeding and inappropriate blood clotting. Testing is also used to monitor standard heparin anticoagulant therapy. For women of child-bearing age, test in the case of recurrent miscarriages. Order as part of surgical (or other invasive) pre-op lab work.
Note: The medical information provided here in this website is for informational purposes only and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
