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Platelet Factor 3 and the Intrinsic System

Spectra™ APCT An Explanation

Spectra™ APCT, a new reagent invented by the same man who pioneered the use of ellagic acid as an activator, can now test intrinsic factors in the same fashion as the APTT test without the need for a platelet substitute.

The APTT test is designed to screen for intrinsic coagulation abnormalities. To do this, all commercial APTT reagents contain primarily two components: an activator, either chemical or particulate, and a phospholipid platelet substitute. Since phospholipid activity decreases with time, liquid APTT reagents such as the one shown on the next page in column 2 usually contain a large excess of phospholipids to insure that an adequate quantity is present over the duration of the dating period of the product. This high level of phospholipids reduces the sensitivity of the reagent, resulting in shorter test results in abnormal conditions. Lyophilized APTT reagents, such as the ACS Spectra™ reagent (patent pending) shown on the next page, do not require the addition of excessive quantities of phospholipids. The presence of an optimal concentration of phospholipids results in higher sensitivity which produces longer test results in abnormal conditions. The activator in the ACS APTT reagent, in the presence of a plasma sample and the platelet substitute, activates the intrinsic coagulation pathway.

The patented Spectra™ APCT test screens for both functional platelet abnormalities and intrinsic factor abnormalities which can be either congenital or acquired. The Spectra™ APCT reagent contains a new chemical activator which causes functional platelets to express total platelet Factor 3 and activates the intrinsic coagulation system.