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Test Code LAB325 APTT

Clinical System Name

APTT

Description

APTT measures the integrity of the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation. APTT prolongations are caused by either factor deficiencies (especially of factors VIII, IX, XI or XII), or the presence of inhibitors (most commonly; lupus anticoagulants, therapeutic anticoagulants such as heparin or direct thrombin inhibitors such as Argatroban).

Sample Requirements

Specimen: Whole Blood

Container(s): Lt Blue/Citrate

Required Vol: (1) 1.8 mL or (1) 2.7 mL 

Minimum Vol: N

 

Note:  This is enough for a PT, PTT, TT, and Fibrinogen to be run on the same sample.

 

Preferred method of collection is venipuncture with vacuum fill. Test results are affected by incorrect blood volume. Use of a Vascular Access Device for the collection of coag testing is not recommended. Please review the Coagulation Lab Collection Job Aid for detailed instructions.

Processing Instructions: Main Campus

Deliver whole blood to Coag bench. Coag Technologist will process.

 

Reject due to: clotted, insufficient quantity (underfill), or improper collection (overfill).

Spin: Y

Aliquot: Y

Storage location: Core 14 Freezer ( -70 C).

 

Specimen should be centrifuged within one hour of collection. Transfer upper 3/4 layer of plasma to plastic tube affixed with large Epic aliquot label. Assay immediately. 

Processing Instructions: Offsite & Regional Clinics

Reject due to: clotted, insufficient quantity (underfill), or improper collection (overfill).

Spin: Y

Aliquot: Y

Storage location:  -70 C (preferred) or -20 C. 

 

Specimen should be centrifuged within one hour of collection. Double spin, transfer upper 3/4 layer of plasma to plastic tube affixed with large computer label. Freeze one aliquot of plasma at -70 C (preferred) or -20 C. Preferred plasma volume: 1.0 mL, minimum plasma volume: 0.6 mL. Do not pool. 

 

Non-Children's Hospital Offsite collection: Ship completely frozen on dry ice.

 

Children's Hospital Regional Clinic collection: Ship completely frozen in frozen Nalgene Labtop cooler with ice pack inside an insulated soft cooler.

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Citrated platelet-poor plasma Room temp ≤4 h
  Refrigerated N
  Frozen   -20 C or -70 C ≤3 m

 

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

 

Department

Department:  Coagulation

 

Phone Number: 206 987-2617 (Client Services)

Synonyms

LAB325

APTT
Partial Thromboplastin Time

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
PTT
PTT Pharm

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
Y

Daily

1 h

 

Methodology

Method:  Electromagnetic mechanical clot detection assay by STA-R MAX

Analytical Volume: 100 uL plasma

Limitations: Method is affected by insufficient volume (underfill), improper collection (overfill), improper processing, and improper storage. High hematocrit greater than or equal to 56% requires a citrate adjusted tube.

Reference Range

Age Seconds
New Born - 3 Months 25 - 40
3 Months and Older 25 - 35

 

There are no established reference ranges for premature newborns.

 

Critical Values

≥ 150 seconds.

 

CPT Codes

85730