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Ifeanyichukwu Ifechidere: Why Manual PT and APTT Testing Still Matters
Ifeanyichukwu Ifechidere/LinkedIn
Apr 4, 2026, 12:00

Ifeanyichukwu Ifechidere: Why Manual PT and APTT Testing Still Matters

Ifeanyichukwu Ifechidere, Specialist Biomedical Scientist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Why Manual PT and APTT Testing Still Matters – Especially in Paediatrics

In an era of full automation, it’s easy to assume manual methods are outdated.

But in coagulation – particularly with paediatric samples – manual PT and APTT testing still holds real clinical value.

Here’s why:

1. Limited sample volume Paediatric samples are often:

  • Minimal in volume
  • Difficult to recollect

Automated analysers usually require dead volume plus repeat testing capacity – which isn’t always feasible.

Manual methods allow you to maximise every drop.

2. Sample integrity challenges In children, samples are more prone to:

  • Underfilling (critical for citrate tubes)
  • Clotting due to difficult draws
  • Haemolysis

Automated systems may:

  • Flag errors
  • Reject results

Manual testing allows you to visually assess clot formation and determine if a result is still usable.

3. Critical troubleshooting tool When results don’t make sense:

  • Unexpected prolonged APTT
  • Analyzer flags or errors
  • Suspected interference

Manual PT/APTT becomes a verification method, not just a backup.

It helps answer:
‘Is this a true result – or an analytical issue?’

4. Detection of subtle abnormalities Experienced scientists can identify:

  • Weak clot formation
  • Delayed fibrin strands
  • Abnormal clot characteristics

These nuances are often missed by automated endpoints.

5. Maintaining core competency Automation is powerful – but over-reliance can weaken:

  • Fundamental understanding
  • Technical skill
  • Interpretation confidence

Manual testing keeps you grounded in:

  • The mechanism of coagulation – not just the number output.

Key takeaway:

Manual coagulation testing is not obsolete – it is a critical complementary skill, especially when working with challenging samples like paediatrics.

Want to strengthen your confidence in coagulation interpretation?

I’ve created a fundamental coagulation course built around 15 real-life case studies – designed for students, interns, and professionals who want to go beyond automation.

It’s focused on:

  • Real lab scenarios
  • Practical interpretation skills
  • Avoiding common diagnostic pitfalls

True expertise isn’t just about running samples – it’s about knowing when to question the result.”

Ifeanyichukwu Ifechidere

More posts featuring Ifeanyichukwu Ifechidere on Hemostasis Today.

aPTT Health Hematology Hemostasis Hemostasis News Hemostasis Today Ifeanyichukwu Ifechidere Manual APTT Manual PT Medicine Paediatrics PT
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