Analysis of PTT8 Hair Evidence
PTT8 hair evidence is not a recognized forensic or medical testing methodology in the available medical literature. Based on the provided evidence, there is no specific information about "PTT8 hair evidence" as a diagnostic or forensic technique.
Understanding the Confusion
The term "PTT8" appears in the research literature only in reference to:
- A plasmid found in the bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB8 1, 2, 3
- PTT8 is described as a small circular plasmid (9328bp) containing eight putative open reading frames 3
- It is unrelated to any human hair analysis or forensic testing methodology
Possible Intended Reference
If the question was intended to refer to PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time) testing, this is a common coagulation test that measures:
- The intrinsic pathway of coagulation
- Target range for therapeutic anticoagulation: 1.5-2.5 times the control value (approximately 46-70 seconds) 4
- Correlates with heparin levels of 0.3 to 0.7 IU/mL measured by anti-factor Xa assay 4
Considerations for Coagulation Testing
If PTT testing was the intended subject:
- PTT can be falsely prolonged in certain circumstances, such as in the presence of a lupus anticoagulant 5
- Prolongation of PT and aPTT can occur due to parenchymal damage in trauma and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a primary bleeding disorder 5
- Specimen handling is critical - coagulation tests are very sensitive to handling conditions and should be performed in laboratories experienced with these assays 5
- Inappropriate handling commonly leads to false-positive results 5
Laboratory Considerations
For accurate PTT testing:
- Measurements should be made 6 hours after any dosage change when monitoring heparin therapy 5
- Due to variation among hospitals in control aPTT values, nomograms should be established at each institution 5
- Delays in laboratory turnaround time can result in over- or under-anticoagulation 5
Conclusion
Based on the available medical evidence, "PTT8 hair evidence" is not a recognized medical or forensic testing methodology. The term PTT8 appears in the literature only in reference to a bacterial plasmid, which has no relation to human hair analysis or medical diagnostics.