aPTT(Post-Heparin Removal)

Also Known as (Alias) PTT
Indications Prolonged aPTT in a patient suspected of receiving heparin or having had blood drawn through a heparinized catheter or port.
Method Clottable
Test Information Therapeutic anticoagulation interferes with most kinetic (but not DNA) tests.  For specimens suspected of containing heparin, heparin is adsorbed using Hepzyme (Dade) reagent and the aPTT repeated.
Additional Test Information If sample undergoes heparin removal, this test is ordered by lab.  Normal ranges are included on testing report and can be made available upon request
Sample Requirements Whole Blood:  3.2% sodium citrated (blue top)  OR
frozen plasma
Requested Volume Two 5 ml 3.2% sodium citrated (blue top) tubes as whole blood  OR frozen plasma in 4 X 1mL aliquots in plastic tubes
Minimum Volume or Pediatric Volume Frozen Plasma:  at least 0.5ml in 2 plastic tubes.
Sample Information Whole blood is preferred for testing, but if it is not possible to send whole blood tubes TO ARRIVE HERE WITHIN 2 HOURS of collection, then send frozen plasma.  To prepare plasma, centrifuge blue top tubes at 1500g for 15 minutes and remove the plasma and centrifuge a second time at 1500g for an additional 15 minutes.  Aliquot approximately 1 ml of plasma into 4 plastic tubes, and freeze.
Shipping Information Whole Blood:  Send at ambient temperature (18-25°C) and must be received within the lab in less than or equal to 2 hours after collection.

Frozen Plasma:  Send on dry ice.

Send samples to:

Bloodworks Northwest
Attn: Hemostasis Laboratory
921 Terry Ave
Seattle, WA 98104

For additional information, please see Ordering Information

Requisition Form RFT- Hemostasis Reference Laboratory
Transaction Code 3200-05
CPT Codes 85730
Test Schedule Monday – Friday
Turn around Time (analytic time) 3 Business Days
Report/Results Fax number required to receive report

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