Hemostasis Panel - Intrinsic - Extended 1

This panel is performed to evaluate the intrinsic blood clotting pathway, particularly when a patient has prolonged APTT or presents symptoms of a bleeding disorder, such as unexplained bruising, prolonged bleeding from wounds, frequent nosebleeds, or blood in the urine or stool.

APTT is used to measure how long it takes for blood to clot. If the APTT is too long, it may indicate a deficiency in one of the blood clotting factors, or the presence of an inhibitor that is preventing normal clotting.

Factor VIII, IX, and XI are proteins that play a crucial role in the intrinsic pathway of blood clotting. Deficiencies in any of these factors can lead to bleeding disorders such as Hemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency), Hemophilia B (Factor IX deficiency), and Hemophilia C (Factor XI deficiency).

Mixing studies involve mixing the patient’s blood with normal plasma. This is done to determine whether the prolonged APTT is due to a deficiency in clotting factors or the presence of an inhibitor that is interfering with the clotting process.

Symptoms of clotting factor deficiency include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, frequent nosebleeds, blood in urine or stools, joint pain and swelling due to internal bleeding, and, in women, heavy menstrual bleeding.

The treatment depends on the severity and type of clotting factor deficiency. Common treatments include infusion of clotting factors, medications to stimulate the production of clotting factors, and in some cases, liver transplantation.

No, this test requires a blood sample to be drawn by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.

No, fasting is not required for this test.

Yes, anticoagulant medications can significantly affect the test results. It is recommended to discontinue anticoagulant therapy for at least 48 hours before the test. However, this should be done under the supervision of a doctor.

Getting this test done is important for individuals with a family history of bleeding disorders or for those who have symptoms suggestive of a clotting disorder. Early diagnosis can lead to prompt and appropriate treatment, preventing potential complications such as excessive bleeding or thrombosis.

The frequency of this test depends on the clinical condition of the patient and the doctor’s recommendation. It may be done as part of a diagnostic workup or regularly to monitor the efficacy of treatment for a known clotting disorder.

In case of abnormal test results, it is advisable to consult a hematologist for further evaluation and management.

Hemostasis Panel - Intrinsic - Extended 1 is a critical tool in the evaluation and management of bleeding disorders. By measuring APTT and levels of Factor VIII, Factor IX, and Factor XI, and conducting mixing studies, it provides insight into the patient’s blood clotting process. This information is vital for diagnosis and for guiding treatment decisions for conditions such as hemophilia and other clotting disorders. If you or a family member have symptoms of a bleeding disorder, or if there is a family history, consult your doctor about the need for this test.