The PTT (partial thromboplastin time) test: what is it?

Typically, a variety of blood proteins work together to form a clot to halt bleeding after a cut or other damage causes bleeding. The term "coagulation factors" or "clotting factors" refers to these proteins.

Your blood may: If one or more of your clotting factors is absent, functioning improperly, or is at a low level

clot too slowly following an operation or injury. You have a bleeding issue if this occurs. Serious blood loss can result from bleeding disorders. One kind of bleeding condition is hemophilia.

Even without an injury, the blood might clot too much or too quickly. This problem may result in blood clots that restrict your blood flow and result in dangerous illnesses including heart attack, stroke, or lung clots.

A PTT test assists in examining a particular subset of coagulation components. It demonstrates how much and how well you have these clotting factors. A PTT test is frequently conducted alongside additional tests that assess coagulation factors.

What does it serve?

To look for issues with a particular set of blood clotting factors, a PTT test is used. It is performed to:

Identify the cause of excessive bleeding or bruises.

Identify the root of the clotting issues. autoimmune illnesses like lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome are examples of possible causes (APS).

Heparin is a type of medication that is used to both prevent and cure blood clots. PTT testing can assist in ensuring that the dose is both safe and efficient.

Before surgery or other medical procedures, assess the risk of potential bleeding issues. (A PTT test is not always performed as a standard examination before surgery. For some individuals who may be at risk for bleeding issues, it may be utilized.

I require a PTT test; why?

If any of the following apply to you:

• Having issues with bleeding or bruising for which there is no documented cause
• possess a blood clot in an artery or vein
• have a liver condition (your liver makes most of your clotting factors).
• experienced several miscarriages

Having been identified as having a bleeding or clotting issue and are taking heparin but are unsure of which clotting variables are involved (to check how this medicine is affecting you, your health care provider may use a PTT test or another test instead).