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Monitoring heparin therapy: APTT results from partial- vs full-draw tubes
J E Siegel1, D W Bernard, V K Swami
1Department of Pathology, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|August 15, 1998
Summary
Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test results vary based on collection tubes. Standardizing evacuated blood collection tube systems is crucial for accurate unfractionated heparin monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Laboratory Medicine
Background:
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is vital for monitoring unfractionated heparin therapy.
- APTT test results are susceptible to various preanalytic and analytic factors.
- Accurate interpretation of APTT is essential for safe and effective heparin treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare APTT results from two different evacuated blood collection tube types.
- To assess the impact of collection tube variability on APTT results, particularly for unfractionated heparin monitoring.
Main Methods:
- APTT testing was performed on patient specimens collected in two distinct evacuated blood collection tube systems.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare APTT results between the two tube types.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference in APTT results was observed between the two tube types.
- This difference was notable for results outside the standard reference interval, including those within the therapeutic range for unfractionated heparin.
Conclusions:
- The choice of evacuated blood collection tube system can significantly influence APTT test results.
- Standardization of evacuated blood collection tube systems is imperative for laboratories when establishing therapeutic ranges for unfractionated heparin.