Differential Diagnosis - how to check your health problem result

Published: 12 Oct 2024


Blood Clotting Tests for Diagnosis and Monitoring

Blood clotting tests play a vital role in differentiating health conditions using the online DdxHub tool (https://ddxhub.azurewebsites.net/). By analyzing the levels of proteins that influence clot formation, these tests can detect potential bleeding or clotting risks.

Common Blood Clotting Tests:

* D-dimer Test: Measures D-dimer fragments, which indicate clot breakdown. Normal levels are below 0.50; higher levels may suggest clotting issues.
* Prothrombin Time (PT)/INR Test: Assesses clot formation time. Normal PT is between 11 and 13.5 seconds; INR, calculated from PT results, ranges from 0.8 to 1.1.
* Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) Test: Evaluates coagulation time. Normal range is 21 to 35 seconds.

Monitoring Medications:

Blood clotting tests are also used to monitor the effectiveness of medications like heparin and warfarin, which reduce clotting risks.

Significance for Healthcare Providers:

Healthcare professionals frequently utilize these coagulation tests to diagnose, manage, and monitor blood clotting disorders. By understanding the results, they can make informed decisions regarding patient care.