Method
Blood samples are collected in tubes with oxalate or citrate to arrest coagulation by binding calcium. The specimen is then delivered to the laboratory. In order to activate the intrinsic pathway, phospholipid, an activator (such as silica, celite, kaolin, ellagic acid), and calcium (to reverse the anticoagulant effect of the oxalate) are mixed into the plasma sample. The time is measured until a thrombus (clot) forms. This testing is performed by a medical technologist.
The test is termed "partial" due to the absence of tissue factor from the reaction mixture.
Read more about this topic: Partial Thromboplastin Time
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