Of all the medical tests that are used to measure the health of an individual, none are more common than those that measure the blood’s ability to clot. There are a variety of different tests that can be used for this purpose, but two of the most commonly used are the INR test and the APT test. Though both of these tests measure blood clotting ability, they use different methods and provide different information. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at these two tests and discuss the differences between them.
What is INR?
INR stands for International Normalized Ratio. INR is a measure of how long it takes for blood to clot. The INR test is used to check for problems with blood clotting. The INR test is done by taking a sample of blood and measuring how long it takes for the blood to clot. The INR test is used to check for problems with blood clotting such as warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. INR tests are also used after heart valve replacement surgery. INR tests are done at doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics.
What is APT?
APT stands for Activated Partial Thromboplastin. It is a test that measures the ability of your blood to clot. This test is often ordered when someone has an unexplained bleeding disorder or is taking a blood thinner. APTT measures the time it takes for a clot to form in your blood. A “normal” APTT range is different for different laboratories but is generally between 25 and 35 seconds. If your APTT is outside of the “normal” range, it may be due to a problem with one of the factors needed for blood clotting.
APTT can also be affected by certain medications, such as heparin. The APT test is typically performed on plasma, which is the liquid part of your blood that contains clotting proteins. To prepare for this test, you will need to fast (not eat or drink) for at least 8 hours prior to the test. You may also be instructed to stop taking certain medications prior to the test. APT is usually done as an outpatient procedure and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Difference between INR and APT
INR and APT tests are both used to measure the clotting time of blood. INR stands for International Normalized Ratio, while APT stands for Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time. Both tests use a small sample of blood, which is then mixed with a chemical that activates clotting. The amount of time it takes for the blood to clot is then measured. INR results are typically expressed as a ratio, while APT results are typically expressed in seconds. INR is generally considered to be more accurate than APT, due to the fact that INR results are less affected by factors such as diet and exercise. However, both tests can be useful in assessing a person’s risk of developing blood clots.
Conclusion
The two main types of tests used to measure blood clotting time are the INR and APT. Both tests have their own strengths and weaknesses, which is why it’s important for doctors to use a combination of tests when diagnosing patients with clotting disorders.
