Evaluation of Prolonged Clotting Times: Lessons From the ARUP Pathologist-Directed Panel



 

Prolonged clotting times (e.g., PT, aPTT) may be identified as unexpected laboratory findings or in the context of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder. Hemostasis/thrombosis laboratories are increasingly employing algorithmic strategies to evaluate prolonged PT and aPTT. This presentation will review basic principles of prolonged clotting time evaluation, discuss the benefits and challenges of pathologist contributions to a prolonged clotting time reflexive panel, and identify result patterns observed in prolonged clotting time panels performed and interpreted at ARUP Laboratories in recent years.

Originally presented on March 26, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah.


Lecture Presenter

Karen A. Moser, MD

Karen A. Moser, MD

Associate Professor (Clinical)
University of Utah School of Medicine
Medical Director, Hematopathology and Hemostasis/Thrombosis Laboratory
ARUP Laboratories

Dr. Karen A. Moser is a medical director of the Hemostasis/Thrombosis Laboratory. She is also an associate professor (clinical) at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Moser received her medical degree from Saint Louis University. She then completed an anatomic and clinical pathology residency and a hematopathology fellowship at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Moser is board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and hematology. Her research interests include laboratory hemostasis and thrombosis testing and medical education.


Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Describe appropriate assays to further evaluate prolonged PT and aPTT
  • Evaluate benefits and challenges of pathologist contributions to test selection and interpretation of a reflexive prolonged clotting time panel
  • Discuss patterns of results in prolonged clotting time panels performed and interpreted at ARUP Laboratories

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories