Clotting Time (CT) Test

The Clotting Time (CT) test measures the time taken for blood to clot after an injury. It assesses the overall function of the coagulation system, including platelet activity and clotting factors. This test is primarily used to evaluate bleeding disorders, platelet function, and clotting abnormalities.

A prolonged clotting time may indicate conditions such as hemophilia, liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or the presence of anticoagulant medications like heparin. It can also be affected by genetic clotting disorders or severe infections. A shortened clotting time is rare but may be associated with conditions that increase the risk of excessive clotting (thrombosis). The CT test is often performed alongside other coagulation tests, such as Bleeding Time (BT), Prothrombin Time (PT), and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), for a comprehensive evaluation of clotting function.