APTT, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page

If unable to process and properly store specimens within 4 hours of collection then call CompuNet transportation for a STAT pick-up at (937) 297-8262 option 1.

PTT

762;
Activated PTT
APTT
PTT

1 plastic (2.7mL) completely filled 3.2% Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube

1 Frozen Capped aliquot of Sodium Citrate plasma

Use standard venipuncture and disposal techniques.

Collect the required quantity of Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes.

If unable to process specimens within 4 hours of collection then call CompuNet transportation for a STAT pick-up at (937) 297-8262 option 1.
Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube(s): Process immediately (stable only 4 hours), following instructions below:

1. Centrifuge capped Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, or at speed and time required to consistently produce Platelet Poor Plasma (<5/kmm3).

2. Carefully remove the plasma from all Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes; avoid disturbing the WBC/buffy coat. Note: If the plasma shows any hemolysis, it must be recollected.

3. Aliquot at least 1mL of plasma into each aliquot tubes labeled “plasma.” Refer to the Minimum Volume section above for the number of aliquots required per test.

4. Finally, place all aliquots into a <-20°C freezer within 4 hours. Note: Aliquots must remain frozen until they are picked up by the CompuNet courier. Call CompuNet transportation department if frozen specimen boxes are needed.

Whole blood Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube
OR
 Frozen - Capped aliquots of Sodium Citrate plasma

Room Temperature: Whole blood Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube
Refrigerated: Unacceptable for Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube whole blood or capped plasma aliquots
Frozen: Capped aliquots of Sodium Citrate plasma

Room Temperature: Whole blood Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube < 4 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable for Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube whole blood or capped plasma aliquots
Frozen: Capped aliquots of Sodium Citrate plasma <14 days at <−20 degrees C or <6 months at <−70 degrees C

Rejected for hemolysis, clotted, improper fill, incorrect specimen type, thawed frozen aliquots, refrigerated plasma or blood, expired test tubes, >4 hours old if not processed into separated frozen plasma vials.

Daily
HE

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT, APTT, PTT) is a common screening assay to detect inherited or acquired factor deficiencies, inhibitors and monitoring the effectiveness of standard heparin therapy. All inherited and acquired deficiencies, inhibitors and heparin cause prolonged results. The ability of the APTT reagent to detect these disorders is related to the sensitivity of the reagent selected for use in this assay.