Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)

The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) test measures the time taken by the blood to form a clot after the addition of substances (reagents) that activate the clot formation. The aPTT test is performed to detect a bleeding or clotting disorder and to monitor the treatment with anticoagulant medication (blood-thinning medicine) like heparin. aPTT Test is the short-form of Activated Partial Thromboplastin Clotting Time test. The aPTT test is a diagnostic test that gives an idea about how well your body’s coagulation mechanism is working by determining the time it takes your body to form a clot at a site where bleeding has occurred. Coagulation is defined as the automatic blood clotting process at the site of bleeding. Many factors come into play to convert the flowing blood into a semi-solid substance that prevents blood loss. When you undergo the aPTT Test, it evaluates and reports the time it takes your body to undergo this entire process. Your healthcare practitioner will only suggest you take the aPTT Test if they see signs of prolonged clotting time, which can be harmful to your health or undergoing some therapy or surgery that can lead to blood loss. Increased aPTT from the normal range may indicate that your body is not prepared for the therapy, liver-related diseases, Hemophilia, etc. Further, aPTT Test during pregnancy rules out the risk concerning the chances of a miscarriage. This is because a low activated partial thromboplastin clotting time (or aPTT) can lead to a miscarriage by forming blood clots in the body. One of the factors responsible for maintaining the aPTT at a good value is Vitamin K. If there is a Vitamin K deficiency, your body may develop a prolonged aPTT, which can have consequences on your health. The Indian diet can sometimes become Vitamin K deficient because of not consuming enough Vitamin K, which may sometimes lead to a prolonged clotting time.