Kaolin-correctable prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) can indicate various coagulation disorders.
• Standard laboratory assays are crucial for diagnosing hemostasis abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a unique pattern of prolonged aPTT that corrects with specific contact activators.
• To investigate a potential novel laboratory phenomenon in coagulation testing.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in seven patients with normal prothrombin times.
• Testing aPTT using different contact activating agents (micronized silica, kaolin, celite, ellagic acid).
• Assaying clotting factor activities and performing thromboplastin dilution tests.

Main Results:

• All seven patients exhibited prolonged aPTT with silica, celite, and ellagic acid.
• The prolonged aPTT corrected to normal when kaolin was used as the contact activator.
• Clotting factor activities were normal, and thromboplastin dilution tests were negative.

Conclusions:

• The observed pattern represents a previously unrecognized laboratory phenomenon.
• This specific aPTT behavior, correcting with kaolin, warrants further investigation.
• The findings suggest a distinct diagnostic profile in coagulation testing.