Published: 12 Oct 2024

Blood Clotting Tests and Differential Diagnosis

Blood clotting tests are essential for:

* Identifying potential bleeding or clotting risks
* Monitoring patients taking anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin)

Online Differential Health Diagnosis Tool (DdxHub)

DdxHub (https://ddxhub.azurewebsites.net/) utilizes these tests to assist in differential diagnoses.

Common Blood Clotting Tests

D-dimer Test:
* Measures D-dimer, a fragment of dissolved blood clots
* Normal level: 0.50
* Positive result: Potential clotting issue

Prothrombin Time (PT)/INR Test:
* Measures clotting time
* Normal PT: 11-13.5 seconds
* INR (derived from PT): 0.8-1.1

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) Test:
* Assesses clotting time
* Normal range: 21-35 seconds

Interpretation

Physicians use these tests to diagnose and manage blood clotting disorders. Abnormal levels may indicate:

* Increased risk of bleeding
* Increased risk of clots
* Effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy