Laboratory Tests

Question 1

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Answer 1

Characterizes blood coagulation

Also used to monitor the treatment effects with heparin

Question 2

aPTT vs. PTT

Answer 2

Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are used to test for the same functions; however, in aPTT, an activator is added that speeds up the clotting time and results in a narrower reference range. The aPTT is considered a more sensitive version of the PTT and is used to monitor the patient’s response to heparin therapy.

Question 3

aPTT and PTT lab values

Answer 3

aPTT: 30 - 40 seconds
PTT: 60 - 70 seconds
CRITICAL VALUES
aPTT: More than 70 seconds (signifies spontaneous bleeding)
PTT: More than 100 seconds (signifies spontaneous bleeding)
**30 seconds over range value.

Question 4

Prothrombin time (PT)

Answer 4

Determine the clotting tendency of blood –> in the measure of warfarin dosage, liver damage, and vitamin K status.

Question 5

PT lab values

Answer 5

Usually around 11 - 14 seconds

Question 6

Lab Values!

Answer 6

Prothrombin time (PT): 11-14 seconds
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT): 25-35 seconds
International normalized ratio (INR) 0.8 to 1.2

Question 7

INR, standardized prothrombin time

Answer 7

The INR is figured out using the results of the prothrombin time (PT) test. This measures the time it takes for your blood to clot.
**The INR is an international standard for the PT.

Question 8

Liver Function Tests

Answer 8

Albumin: 3.5 - 5.3 g/dL
Aspartate transaminase (AST): 6-40 IU/L
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): 30 to 120 IU/L
Total bilirubin: 0.1–1.0 mg/dL
Direct bilirubin: 0.1–0.4 mg/dL

Question 9

Peaks and Troughs

Answer 9

The trough level is the lowest concentration in the patient’s bloodstream, therefore, the specimen should be collected just prior to administration of the drug. The peak level is the highest concentration of a drug in the patient’s bloodstream.

Question 10

Serum Creatinine

Answer 10

The normal range for creatinine in the blood may be 0.6 to 1.3 milligrams per deciliter

A high serum creatinine level means that your kidneys aren’t working well. Your creatinine level may temporarily increase if you’re dehydrated, have a low blood volume, eat a large amount of meat or take certain medications.

Question 11

Serum Electrolytes

Answer 11

Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L

Chloride: 95-105 mEq/L

Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L

Bicarbonate: 22-28 mEq/L

Magnesium: 1.5-2.0 mEq/L

Question 12

Serum Glucose

Answer 12

Fasting: 70-110 mg/dL

2-h postprandial: