APTT test before embryo transfer: Why it’s unnecessary for IVF success

Dr. Malpani Exposes the Uselessness of Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) Testing in IVF

Patient: Dr. Malpani, my IVF doctor, has asked me to take an Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) test before my embryo transfer. He said it will check my blood clotting and ensure a successful implantation. Should I get it done?

Dr. Malpani: No, you don’t need it. APTT testing is completely unnecessary for most IVF patients. It’s just another useless test that some IVF clinics use to extract more money from patients.

Patient: But isn’t APTT a standard test for blood clotting?

Dr. Malpani: Yes, APTT is a routine blood test used to evaluate clotting function—but that doesn’t mean it has any role in IVF. This test is mainly used for patients with suspected bleeding disorders, clotting abnormalities, or those on anticoagulant therapy like heparin.

Patient: My doctor said blood clotting issues can cause implantation failure. Is that true?

Dr. Malpani: That’s a misleading statement. While it’s true that certain clotting disorders, like Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), can affect pregnancy, APTT is NOT the right test to diagnose these conditions. If your doctor genuinely suspects a clotting disorder, they should order more specific tests like:

Lupus Anticoagulant (LA)
Anticardiolipin Antibodies (ACA)
Factor V Leiden Mutation
Prothrombin Gene Mutation

Simply checking APTT is not enough and is not scientifically linked to implantation failure in IVF.

Patient: But what if my APTT result is slightly abnormal? Should I be concerned?

Dr. Malpani: Not at all! Mild fluctuations in APTT are completely normal and can happen due to diet, infections, minor lab errors, or even stress. A slightly abnormal APTT result does NOT mean you have a real clotting disorder or that it will affect your IVF outcome.

Patient: My doctor said that if my APTT is abnormal, I might need blood thinners like heparin or aspirin to improve implantation. Won’t that help?

Dr. Malpani: That’s where many clinics go wrong! Prescribing blood thinners without a real clotting disorder is unnecessary and can be dangerous.

Heparin and aspirin should NOT be given just because of a minor APTT variation.
There’s no evidence that blood thinners improve implantation rates in women without a clotting disorder.
Taking unnecessary anticoagulants can increase the risk of bleeding and complications.

Patient: If APTT isn’t useful for IVF, why do so many clinics recommend it?

Dr. Malpani: It’s all about business! Some IVF clinics push unnecessary tests because they know patients are desperate for answers. They use fear-based marketing to convince patients that every test is “essential” when, in reality, most of these tests don’t improve IVF success.

Patient: If APTT isn’t helpful, how do I know if my blood is clotting properly for pregnancy?

Dr. Malpani: Unless you have a history of recurrent miscarriages, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or a known clotting disorder, you don’t need any clotting tests for IVF.

Your body naturally adjusts its blood clotting ability during pregnancy.
If you don’t have symptoms of a clotting disorder, you don’t need an APTT test.

Patient: So, what should I focus on instead?

Dr. Malpani: Stick to what actually matters for IVF success:

Good-quality embryos (consider PGT testing if needed).
A well-prepared endometrial lining (monitored via ultrasound, NOT unnecessary blood tests!).
A competent IVF lab, not one that sells useless tests.

Summary

The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) test is often pushed on IVF patients as a way to check for blood clotting issues that may affect implantation. However, Dr. Malpani debunks this as a useless and misleading test in most IVF cases.

Why APTT Testing Is NOT Helpful for IVF Patients:

APTT is used for diagnosing clotting disorders—not for routine IVF screening.
Most women do NOT have a clotting problem affecting implantation.
A slightly abnormal APTT result is usually meaningless.
Unnecessary use of blood thinners (heparin, aspirin) based on APTT results can be harmful.
Major fertility organisations (ASRM, ESHRE) do NOT recommend routine clotting tests for IVF.

Why APTT Testing Is NOT Helpful for IVF Patients:

Bottom line: If your doctor is pushing an APTT test without a real medical reason, you are likely being scammed. Instead, focus on what truly improves your IVF chances—quality embryos, a good IVF lab, and the right protocol adjustments!