The accuracy of activated partial thromboplastin times when drawn through a peripherally inserted central catheter.

The peripherally-inserted central catheter (PICC) is used commonly in hospitalized patients. The presence of heparin within the PICC lumen, however, may affect the results of coagulation indices when measured on blood drawn through it. In 41 patients with a PICC inserted as part of their medical care, we compared activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTTs) measured on blood drawn through the PICC to blood drawn through a peripheral venipuncture (VP). There were no clinically significant differences between aPTT values from the two samples. Using the PICC to obtain blood for the measurement of aPTT is accurate and may reduce the need for peripheral VPs.