What range should the APTT be within to continue heparin infusion without a dose change?

The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is a critical laboratory test used to monitor heparin therapy, as it assesses the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation. In patients receiving heparin, maintaining the APTT within a certain therapeutic range is essential to ensure adequate anticoagulation while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications.

For patients on a continuous heparin infusion, the typical therapeutic range for APTT is generally accepted to be between 46 and 70 seconds. If the APTT is maintained within this range, it indicates that the heparin is effectively anticoagulating the patient, and it can often be continued without a dose adjustment.

When the APTT is outside of this therapeutic range, it may suggest that the heparin dose needs to be adjusted to avoid either insufficient anticoagulation or excessive anticoagulation, which could lead to increased bleeding risk. For example, if the APTT is below 46 seconds, the patient may not be adequately anticoagulated, while levels above 70 seconds may indicate an increased risk of bleeding.

Therefore, the correct range of 46-70 seconds allows healthcare providers to safely manage heparin infusions and provide effective care within established