APTT Test Price, Purpose, Procedure & Results [2024]
APTT Test (Activated Partial thromboplastin time) is a blood test that measures the time taken by your blood to form a clot after an injury that causes bleeding. Whenever you get hurt and it starts to bleed, certain proteins in your blood called the clotting factors come together in a certain arrangement and form a blood clot that stops the bleeding. The APTT Test price ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 600, and an in-home sample collection is also available.
The APTT test helps to evaluate the functioning of some of these clotting factors.
Test details in brief
| Also known as | PTT, PTTK, Partial Thromboplastin Time activated, Activated Partial thromboplastin time |
| Purpose | To diagnose and monitor bleeding disorders like haemophilia and monitor patients on anticoagulants. |
| Preparation | Overnight fasting is preferred. A duly filled Coagulation Requisition Form. |
| Cost | Rs 300 to Rs 600 |
| Reporting time | <24 hours |
APTT Test Price
APTT Test Price usually ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 600. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Prices at Popular diagnostic centres
The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Redcliffe Labs | Rs 500 |
| Thyrocare | Rs 500 |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 500 ( City-based ) |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 370 |
| Dr Lal path labs | Rs 550 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 550 |
Cost in different cities
The APTT test cost depends on and varies from one city to another. Moreover, a Diagnostic chain can have different prices in different cities.
The table below lists the city-wise prices. You can click on the link to get the list of diagnostic centres, their prices and discount.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs 350 to Rs 600 |
| Mumbai | Rs 300 to Rs 560 |
| Bangalore | Rs 300 to Rs 500 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 300 to Rs 530 |
| Gurgaon | Rs 300 to Rs 809 |
| Chennai | Rs 300 to Rs 500 |
| Kolkata | Rs 280 to Rs 500 |
What is the difference between APTT and PTT?
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are used to test for the same functions. However, in aPTT, an activator is added that speeds up the clotting time. The aPTT is considered a more sensitive version of the PTT.
Other related tests
- BT or Bleeding time measures the time taken by small blood vessels to stop bleeding. It is used to assess platelet function. It is usually between 1-9 minutes.
- CT or Clotting Times is the time taken to form a clot. It is usually between 8-15 minutes. The most commonly used test of clotting time is activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT)
- PT or Prothrombin time test measures how long it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. Prothrombin is a clotting factor made in the liver. An INR (international normalized ratio) is a type of calculation based on PT test results.
- TT or Thrombin time is a measure of how long the blood’s plasma takes to form a clot. This test shows how long it takes fibrinogen (clotting factor) to turn into fibrin (this forms the clot).
What is the purpose of the APTT Test?
Your doctor may order APTT test to diagnose:
- To check for a bleeding disorder like haemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
- If you are getting or need to get heparin therapy.
- Check that your blood clots usually before you go in for surgery.
- During pregnancy.
- Look for problems with your immune system like Antiphospholipid antibodies syndrome (APS), etc.
- Monitor how well the liver works since it makes the clotting factors.
Some of the symptoms associated with abnormal APTT levels are-
- Unexplained Bleeding or bruising
- Bleeding gums without a dental reason
- Frequent bleeding from the nose
- Heavy menstrual periods in women
- Unexplained frequent miscarriages
- Thrombotic episode (inappropriate blood clots)
- Swelling or pain in your joints
- Blood in urine or stools
Preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred. A duly filled Coagulation Requisition Form is mandatory. Do inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine both prescription and non-prescription, ayurvedic, etc. Your doctor may advise you to stop the ones that can affect the test results. DO NOT stop any medication on your own.
Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. A blood sample is taken from the vein in your arm or hand by the following steps-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- The site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is placed, which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
Risks
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-
- Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
- Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
- Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
APTT Test Results and Interpretation
aPTT test measures the clotting time in seconds.
Normal Levels
The normal range of Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is 60-70 seconds, and of activated Partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is 30-40 seconds.
| Parameter | Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| APTT | 30-40 | sec |
| PTT | 60-70 | sec |
APTT Test Abnormal Levels
Deviation from the normal range on either side (higher or lower) is considered abnormal.
Higher Values
A prolonged aPTT result may indicate the following-
- Inherited bleeding disorders like–
- Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B (Christmas disease) are two inherited bleeding disorders resulting from a deficiency in factors VIII and IX, respectively.
- Congenital deficiency of Fitzgerald factor (prekallikrein)
- Von Willebrand disease (commonly inherited bleeding disorder affecting platelet function due to decreased von Willebrand factor activity)
- Underlying Conditions like
- Liver cirrhosis may result in an inadequate quantity of clotting factors (the liver makes most of the clotting factors, including those that are vitamin K-dependent ones)
- Vitamin K deficiency: The synthesis of some clotting factors requires vitamin K,
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): The clotting factors involved in the intrinsic pathway are consumed, prolonging the aPTT
- Anticoagulation therapy
- Heparin therapy inhibits the coagulation of blood
- Coumarin therapy inhibits the function of factors I, IX, and X, prolonging the aPTT
- Nonspecific inhibitors, such as lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies, which bind to phospholipids on the surface of platelets
Lower Than normal values
A shortened aPTT result may indicate the following :
- Early stages of DIC: circulating procoagulants exist in the early stages of DIC, shortening the aPTT
- Extensive cancer (e.g., ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer)
- Immediately after acute haemorrhage
APTT Test Sample Report
The image below is a sample report. You can check normal values, reporting notes and special instructions for the APTT test.
Limitations
Even with a normal PTT result, mild to moderate deficiencies of a single coagulation factor may be present. The PTT may not be prolonged until the factor levels have decreased to 30% to 40% of normal. On the other hand, lupus anticoagulant may be present but may not prolong the PTT result. Hence it may need to be supported with other tests for definite diagnosis and interpretation.
Conclusion
APTT is an important test to detect disorders of bleeding and coagulation. It is especially important before surgery and pregnancy.
Any deviation from the normal range must be investigated well enough. Regardless of the results, you need to discuss them with your healthcare provider for a better understanding and course of action.
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₹250 ₹1000
APTT Test
FAQs
This means that your blood is not clotting properly. This could be due to deficiency of any clotting factor causing diseases like von Willebrands, Hemophilia etc., or chronic diseases like liver cirrhosis, vitamin K deficiency, or autoimmune disorders like APS (Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome), etc.
The other tests that may be needed are-
-Prothrombin time
-INR ratio
-Platelet count
-DRVVT Or dilute Russell viper venom test
-Fibrinogen testing
When body tissue is injured and begins to bleed, it initiates a sequence of clotting factor activities -the coagulation cascade- leading to the formation of a blood clot. This cascade comprises three pathways: extrinsic, intrinsic, and common.
Two laboratory tests are used commonly to evaluate coagulation disorders: Prothrombin Time (PT) which measures the integrity of the extrinsic system as well as factors common to both systems and Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), which measures the integrity of the intrinsic system, and the common components.
(Refer to the diagrammatic flowchart above)
It may differ between different labs. It is usually between 30-40 seconds.
APTT test may show a prolonged APTT in cases of severe dehydration.
How to Book APTT Test?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.