What does the Partial Thromboplastin Time - PTT blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
The Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) test measures the time it takes for blood to clot. It specifically evaluates the effectiveness of the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways. This test is crucial for assessing blood clotting disorders, monitoring heparin therapy, and screening for conditions like hemophilia. PTT is often used in conjunction with other coagulation tests to provide a comprehensive view of a patient's blood clotting ability. It's particularly important before surgical procedures to ensure proper clotting function and to diagnose or monitor treatment for bleeding or clotting disorders.
A PTT result below the lower range (< 25 seconds) may indicate:
A low PTT suggests that blood is clotting too quickly, which can lead to dangerous blood clots in arteries or veins. This condition requires further investigation and may necessitate anticoagulant therapy to prevent potentially life-threatening complications like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
A PTT result above the upper range (> 35 seconds) may indicate:
A high PTT suggests that blood is taking too long to clot, which can lead to excessive bleeding. This condition requires further investigation to determine the underlying cause and may necessitate treatment to improve clotting function and prevent dangerous bleeding episodes.