Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) Test

What does the APTT Test measure?

The APTT blood test evaluates several important aspects of your blood's clotting function:

• Measures the time it takes for blood to clot after specific substances are added
• Assesses the function of clotting factors in the intrinsic and common pathways
• Evaluates factors I (fibrinogen), II (prothrombin), V, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII
• Monitors the effectiveness of heparin therapy in patients taking blood thinners
• Detects the presence of clotting inhibitors or antibodies that interfere with normal clotting

APTT Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for an APTT Test?

Your doctor may recommend an APTT test if you experience symptoms that suggest a bleeding disorder:

• Unexplained or frequent bruising
• Prolonged or frequent nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
• Blood in urine or stool
• Excessive bleeding after minor cuts, dental work, or surgery
• Painful or swollen joints due to internal bleeding

Who should get an APTT Test?

Several groups of people may need an APTT test for different health conditions:

• Patients experiencing unexplained bleeding symptoms
• Individuals receiving heparin therapy who need regular monitoring
• People scheduled for surgery as part of pre-operative screening
• Those with a family history of bleeding disorders like haemophilia
• Patients being evaluated for autoimmune diseases or liver conditions
• People with suspected clotting factor deficiencies

Why is an APTT Test done?

An APTT test is performed to investigate the cause of abnormal bleeding, assess your blood's clotting ability before surgical procedures, and monitor the safety and effectiveness of blood-thinning medications.

Importance of an APTT Test

The APTT test plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing bleeding disorders. It provides doctors with essential information about your blood's clotting function, helping them identify conditions like haemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or liver problems that affect clotting factors. For patients on heparin therapy, regular APTT monitoring ensures the medication dosage is effective without causing dangerous bleeding. The test also helps assess bleeding risks before surgery, allowing medical teams to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety during procedures.

APTT Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book an APTT Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select APTT Test, choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is home sample collection for APTT Test available near you?

Yes, home blood sample collection is available for APTT testing. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, following strict safety protocols to collect your blood sample. With Metropolis Healthcare's extensive network of over 10,000 touchpoints across India, professional home collection services are available in most cities, providing you with accurate, reliable results from accredited laboratories.

How Long Does It Take to Get an APTT Test Report?

Reports are usually available after 4 hours once the sample reaches the lab.

Note: Reporting time and cost may vary depending on your location.

Where can I see or get APTT Test results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting APTT Test Results

What Your APTT Test Results May Indicate

The following table helps you understand what your APTT test results mean:

Conditions that May Affect APTT Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your APTT test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Heparin contamination from intravenous lines can prolong clotting times
• High haematocrit levels may affect test accuracy
• Clotted blood samples can give incorrect results
• Insufficient sample volume may lead to unreliable results
• Medications like warfarin, aspirin, and certain antihistamines can affect results
• Oestrogen therapy or oral contraceptives may shorten clotting times
• Drugs like diphenylhydantoin and naloxone can prolong clotting times
• Severe dehydration can alter blood concentration and affect results

How is an APTT Test Done?

The APTT test involves a straightforward blood collection procedure:

• A healthcare professional cleans the area on your arm with an antiseptic
• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make veins more visible
• A sterile needle is inserted into a vein to collect blood into a special tube
• The tube contains sodium citrate to prevent the blood from clotting immediately
• The blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis
• Laboratory technicians add activating agents to measure clotting time

How Should You Prepare for an APTT Test?

Preparing for an APTT test is simple and requires minimal effort:

• No fasting required; you can eat and drink normally before the test
• Inform your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you're taking
• Mention any bleeding history or family history of bleeding disorders
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking adequate water before your test
• Provide clinical history or clinician contact details as requested
• Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up

Diseases that an APTT Test Can Help Detect

The APTT test can help diagnose various health risks and conditions affecting blood clotting:

• Haemophilia A and B (factor VIII and IX deficiencies)
• Von Willebrand disease
• Liver disease affecting clotting factor production
• Lupus anticoagulant syndrome
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Inherited or acquired clotting factor deficiencies
• Fibrinolysis disorders
• Vitamin K deficiency
• Leukaemia affecting clotting function

APTT Test/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Here are related coagulation tests available to provide comprehensive assessment of your blood clotting function:

APTT Test Prices in Different Cities

The cost of an APTT test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.