Activated partial thromboplastin time reagents: an evaluation.
Nine automated, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) reagents were evaluated on an automated coagulometer, in comparison with a manual reagent. The study consisted of three separate stages: 1) to choose a reagent that had a working stability between 4 degrees C and 8 degrees C for seven days and heparin sensitivity between 0 and 0.8 iu/ml; ii) assessment of sensitivity to specific factor deficiencies, particularly factors VIII, IX, XI and XII using standardised plasma serially diluted with factor-deficient plasma; and iii) assessment of sensitivity to the presence of a lupus anticoagulant, from a known positive panel. Only one reagent fulfilled all the essential criteria as an acceptable replacement for the manual reagent.
Howarth
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Department of Pathology, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia.
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000032:analysis; D004355:Drug Stability; D006493:Heparin / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D016682:Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor / Q000032:analysis; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D016682:Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor; D006493:Heparin