Measurement of the activated partial thromboplastin time from a capillary (fingerstick) sample of whole blood. A new method for monitoring heparin therapy.

Author(s): Ansell J, Tiarks C, Hirsh J, McGehee W, Adler D, Weibert R

Publication: Am J Clin Pathol, 1991, Vol. 95, Page 222-7

PubMed ID: 1992612 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of using capillary (whole blood) versus venous (plasma and whole blood) specimens, method of measurement, and type of auto analyzer reagents on aPTT in specimens from patients on anticoagulant therapy and normal controls. Venous blood to be used for standard plasma aPTT measurement was placed on ice for an undisclosed amount of time prior to centrifugation.

   Summary of Findings:

   aPTT measurements from capillary whole blood and venous whole blood measured on the portable 512 Coagulation Monitor were very strongly correlated (r=0.93). Strong correlations were also observed between capillary blood aPTT measured by the portable instrument and venous plasma aPTT measured using standard analyzers and either Dade Actin FS reagents or General Diagnostics reagents (r=0.79-0.83). Further, a strong correlation was seen between plasma aPTT measured using both types of reagents (r=0.79). Hematocrit had no effect on venous whole blood aPTT measured by the portable monitor, and the authors state that platelet counts also had no correlation with aPTT.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood
   • Bodily Fluid - Plasma

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal
   • Other diagnoses

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Morphology	Hematology/ auto analyzer
   Cell count/volume	Hematology/ auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Method of fluid acquisition	Finger/heel prick sampling Venipuncture
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Blood and blood products	Plasma Whole blood
   Hematology/ auto analyzer Specific	Technology platform	512 Coagulation Monitor (portable) MLA 750 MLA 700
   Hematology/ auto analyzer Specific	Reaction solution	Dade Actin FS reagents General Diagnostics reagents
   Preaquisition	Diagnosis/ patient condition	Receiving heparin and/or warfarin anticoagulation therapy
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Anatomical location of blood draw	Capillary Vein

   View more