The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) mix is only performed when the APTT is abnormally prolonged. Please refer to test APTTB / Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Plasma for interpretation of results.

 The APTT mixing test is used to evaluate a prolonged APTT test result, especially when mixing test results are combined with results of other coagulation tests and clinical information, to assist in differentiating coagulation factor deficiencies from coagulation inhibitors.

The APTT mixing study, using equal volumes of patient and normal pool plasma, may be performed on specimens with a prolonged APTT to assist in differentiating coagulation factor deficiencies from coagulation inhibitors of all types (1-4). Correction of the APTT mix to within the normal reference range usually indicates a coagulation factor deficiency (normal plasma in the mixture ensures at least 50% activity of all coagulation factors). If the prolonged APTT is due to an inhibitor (eg, specific coagulation factor inhibitor, lupus anticoagulant, heparin), the APTT mix typically fails to correct a prolonged APTT. However, the presence of a weak inhibitor may be missed by the APTT mixing study.

Accurate interpretation of both APTT and APTT mixing study results may often require additional testing. For example, the thrombin time (TT) test is helpful for identifying or excluding the presence of heparin, the platelet neutralization procedure (PNP, using a modified APTT method) for identifying or excluding lupus anticoagulant, the prothrombin time (PT) and dilute Russell's viper venom time (DRVVT) for further assessment of the common procoagulant pathway, and coagulation factor assays to detect and identify deficient or abnormal factors. These assays are available as components of reflexive and interpretive testing panels in the Special Coagulation Laboratory (eg, PROCT / Prolonged Clot Time Profile).

Shortening of the APTT usually reflects either elevation of factor VIII activity secondary to acute or chronic illness or inflammation, or spurious results from suboptimal venipuncture, specimen collection or processing. A normal or shortened APTT result does not exclude a hemostatic defect; and specific clotting factor assays should be performed despite a normal APTT when there is clinical impression of bleeding diathesis.