Dictionary

platelets: Also called thrombocytes, these are the cell fragments in blood that aid in the process of hemostasis, or the formation of blood clots.

prophylaxis: A way to treat blood clotting disorders through a regimen of factor replacement to prevent bleeding incidents before they happen.

PTT: Also known as Partial Thromboplastin Time; a test given to patients when they have unexplained bleeding or clotting, and is done simply by taking a blood sample from a vein in the arm.