[Study on usefulness of different APTT test kit in variable coagulopathy].

A number of test kits are available for measuring activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and are used to screen for intrinsic coagulation reactions. However, results obtained with the same sample by different test kits often vary, causing confusion regarding potential hemostatic activity in the specimen. We investigated the usefulness of 6 different APPT kits, which utilize various phospholipids and activators, to detect prolonged clotting time in plasma from subjects with abnormal coagulopathy, including lupus anticoagulant(LA). In samples from subjects with intrinsic coagulation factor deficiencies and subjects taken heparin, the abnormal APTT detection ratio was high regardless of the kit used, thus any would be acceptable for measuring APTT in such patients. In contrast, that ratio in patients with von Willebrand disease was relatively low regardless of the kit, probably because factor VIII activities in those patients were slightly decreased. The ratio of detected subjects with LA and subjects taking warfarin varied among the APTT kits, however, those that utilized synthetic phospholipids were useful for the detection of LA. Our results suggest that an APTT kit should be selected according to the kind of disorder in the patient. Further, kits that employ synthetic phospholipids are useful for detecting abnormal coagulopathy in patients with intrinsic coagulation factor deficiencies and patients taken heparin, as well as for detection of LA.