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Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
Test CodePTT
CPT Codes
85303
Preferred Specimen
1 Sodium Citrate Plasma Blue
Minimum Volume
Blue top must be filled to Minimum Fill Indicator Line on tube.
Other Acceptable Specimens
none
Instructions
Outreach clients should spin the blue top, remove the plasma, and freeze in a polypropylene tube.
Transport Container
BLUE, polypropylene tube
Transport Temperature
Blue - RT; polypropylene - frozen
Specimen Stability
Blue - 4 hours RT if patient not on heparin, 1 hour RT if patient on heparin; Plasma - 4 hours RT, 4 hours refrigerated, 2 weeks frozen
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Sample must be free of clots and hemolysis.
Methodology
Electromagnetic Viscosity Detection
Setup Schedule
Daily on Receipt
Report Available
Upon Completion of Analysis
Reference Range
25 - 36 seconds
Clinical Significance
The activated partial thromboplastin time is a basic screening test for the assessment of congential and acquired deficiencies of the intrinsic pathway (Factors XII, XI, IX, VIII). It is also the test most often used to monitor heparin therapy.