Indicator Explainer

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time

A measurement of the length of time that it takes for clotting to occur when activating reagents are added to a plasma specimen. The test is partial due to the absence of tissue factor (Factor III) from the reaction mixture.

Reviewed 2026-10-19
Read this first

This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.

When it is tested

Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C38462. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-19. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.

Reading results

Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.

Also Known As

Activated Partial Thromboplastin TimeaPTT