Ifeanyichukwu Ifechidere: Interpreting Abnormal Coagulation Results Through Two Practical Cases
Ifeanyichukwu Ifechidere, Biomedical Scientist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Today we are Interpreting Abnormal Coagulation Results: Two Practical Cases
One of the most important skills in coagulation testing is not just running the test — but interpreting the result correctly.
A prolonged clotting time doesn’t automatically mean a bleeding disorder.
It could reflect factor deficiencies, inhibitors, anticoagulants, or pre-analytical issues.
Today, let’s look at two abnormal coagulation patterns and how we can approach them clinically.
Case 1: Isolated Prolonged PT
Laboratory Results
PT: Prolonged
INR: 2.1
APTT: Normal
Platelets: Normal
What is your Interpretation Approach?
What are the Possible Causes of Isolated prolonged PT and which pathway does it indicate a problem?
Is there any further tests you will add on and why?
Case 2: Isolated Prolonged APTT
Laboratory Results
PT: Normal
APTT: Prolonged
Platelets: Normal
What is your Interpretation Approach?
This pattern indicates a problem in which pathway?
What are the Possible Causes of isolated APTT?
What other tests will you add on and why?
Before we carry on, always remember the Key Principle in Coagulation Interpretation.
Always interpret results using a structured approach:
- Pattern recognition (PT vs APTT)
- Exclude pre-analytical issues
- Review medication history
- Perform confirmatory testing
Jumping straight to complex testing without this approach often leads to misinterpretation and unnecessary investigations.”
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