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Activated partial thromboplastin time performed on capillary blood
M Boumerfeg1, M H Aurousseau, G Le Roux
1Laboratoire Central d'Hématologie, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France.
Nouvelle Revue Francaise D'Hematologie
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Capillary blood sampling offers a viable alternative for activated partial thromboplastin time testing in most patients. However, this method shows inaccuracies in newborns and adults undergoing heparin therapy.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a crucial hemostasis assay.
- Venous blood sampling for aPTT can be challenging in newborns and some adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a capillary blood sampling method for activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) testing.
- To assess the reliability of capillary aPTT in various patient populations and clinical conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a capillary blood assay method.
- Study included normal adults, newborns, patients with liver diseases, and those on vitamin K antagonist or heparin therapy.
- Correlation of capillary results with venous blood measurements.
Main Results:
- Capillary aPTT showed good correlation with venous blood results in normal subjects, liver disease patients, and those on vitamin K antagonists.
- Significant inaccuracies were observed in both newborns and adults receiving heparin therapy.
- The capillary method is not reliable for monitoring heparin therapy.
Conclusions:
- Capillary blood sampling for aPTT is a potentially useful alternative when venous access is difficult.
- The method's utility is limited during heparin therapy, particularly in pediatric patients.
- Further validation is needed for specific clinical scenarios involving anticoagulation.