Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) is a medical term referring to a diagnostic test used to assess the efficiency of both the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation.
Pronunciation
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time is pronounced as /ækˈtɪveɪtɪd ˈpɑːrʃəl θrɒmbəˈplæstɪn taɪm/.
Etymology
The term originates from the words 'activated', 'partial', 'thromboplastin', and 'time'. 'Activated' comes from the Latin word 'activare', meaning to set in motion. 'Partial' is derived from the Latin 'partialis', meaning 'relating to a part'. 'Thromboplastin' is a complex substance in blood that is involved in blood clotting, and 'time' refers to the duration it takes for the clotting to occur.
Related Terms
- Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot.
- Intrinsic pathway: One of the two pathways which leads to coagulation.
- Common pathway: The final pathway in the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of a clot.
- Prothrombin Time: Another diagnostic test used to measure the time it takes for clot formation.
Procedure
The APTT test is performed by adding a substance known as an activator to a sample of blood. This activator triggers the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation. The time taken for a clot to form is then measured and is known as the Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time.
Clinical Significance
The APTT test is used to diagnose and monitor treatment for various conditions that can cause excessive bleeding or clotting. It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy, such as with heparin.
See Also
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