The aPTT is a blood test used to assess how fast the blood clots. aPTT stands from activated thromboplastin time. It assesses the intrinsic and common pathway of the coagulation cascade. Therefore, the aPTT assesses clotting Factors XII, XI, IX, VIII (part of the intrinsic pathway) I, II, V, and X (part of the common pathway).

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Overall, the aPTT will tell us how well the intrinsic and common pathway work to form a clot. The aPTT can be ordered to assess for bleeding disorders or to monitor a patient who is on Heparin therapy. Heparin works by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III. This substance inactivates enzymes that play a role in the clotting process. When it is activated (antithrombin III) it will prevent the activation of thrombin (which converts fibrinogen to fibrin).

A normal aPTT is about 30-40 seconds. For a patient to be therapeutic on Heparin, the aPTT should be about 1.5-2.5 times the normal range for the aPTT.

Quiz PT/INR vs. aPTT: https://www.registerednursern.com/pt-inr-vs-aptt-nursing-quiz/
Notes: https://www.registerednursern.com/aptt-blood-test-labs-to-know-for-nclex-review/
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