Decoding APTT: What is APTT and why does it matter?

The Significance of APTT: APTT is a vital hematologic test conducted by doctors for routine health check-ups, assessing liver function, pre-surgery examinations, investigating blood clot disorders, and measuring the effectiveness of intravenous heparin therapy. To delve deeper into APTT, readers can refer to Mytour's article!

Understanding APTT: What is APTT and why does it matter?
 

1. Understanding APTT

APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) is a vital blood test where patients are required to undergo an examination of various blood factors to assess the body's blood clotting function. This test reveals how long it takes for your blood to form a blood clot.

APTT testing is often conducted alongside other tests like Prothrombin Time (PT) to assess a range of different blood clotting factors. The results of these tests provide doctors with a more comprehensive understanding of what happens in your body when a blood clot forms. Additional tests such as Activated Whole Thrombin Time (ACT) and Thrombin Time Test (TT) may also be performed by doctors in conjunction with APTT.

2. How is APTT Testing Conducted?

APTT is a fundamental hematologic test. To perform this test, the doctor will draw a few milliliters of blood from your vein and place it in a capped test tube to ensure the accuracy of the examination. During this process, the doctor also adds necessary chemicals to obtain the most accurate results.

For IV heparin therapy, APTT is often conducted approximately 6 hours after treatment initiation. After obtaining the APTT result, the doctor will adjust the heparin infusion dose if necessary.

Before undergoing APTT testing, you won't need any specific preparations. However, it's essential to inform your doctor about any medications, herbs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, or herbal remedies. Some medications, especially blood thinners, aspirin, and histamine blockers, may affect your APTT test results.

3. Is APTT Testing Significant?

Doctors may request APTT testing to check for bleeding disorders such as Hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. Symptoms of bleeding disorders include:
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Abnormal blood clot formation
- Blood in stool or urine
- Easy bleeding gums
- Prolonged menstrual periods in women
- Orange-colored bleeding
- Joint swelling or pain

You also need APTT testing if you are treated with heparin - a medication used to prevent or treat blood clots after issues like a heart attack or stroke. PTT testing ensures you are using the correct dosage. You want to prevent dangerous blood clots but still allow blood clotting when needed.

You may also be required to undergo APTT testing to:
- Check if your blood clotting ability is normal before surgery
- Assess immune system function
- Examine liver activity

If you need a blood test, you can visit Hanoi Central Hematology and Blood Transfusion Hospital if you study and live in Hanoi, or Ho Chi Minh Hematology and Blood Transfusion Hospital here.