Biochemistry Test

Test : Prothrombin time tests


Indications : A PT or Prothrombin time test is most often used to (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prothrombin Time Test and INR (PT/INR)

Go to source):

• See how well warfarin, an anticoagulant, is working to prevent blood clots.
• Find out the reason for abnormal blood clots.
• Find out the reason for unusual bleeding.
• Check clotting ability before a procedure or surgery that may cause bleeding.
• Check for liver problems.
• Check for vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting.

Healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have the below symptoms (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prothrombin Time Test and INR (PT/INR)

Go to source),

• Unexplained heavy bleeding
• Unusual heavy nose bleeds
• Unusual heavy menstrual periods in women
• Leg pain or tenderness
• Leg swelling
• Redness on the legs
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulty
• Rapid heartbeat

Physiology : Prothrombin, a protein made in the liver and dependent on vitamin K, plays a crucial role in blood clotting. When there's an injury, prothrombin converts into thrombin, which helps create fibrin strands that form a clot. This process ensures wounds can heal and bleeding stops appropriately. Proper regulation of prothrombin is essential to maintain balance in clotting, preventing both excessive bleeding and unnecessary clotting. Issues with prothrombin function can lead to bleeding problems or clotting disorders, affecting overall health and healing (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prothrombin Time Test and INR (PT/INR)

Go to source),(2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prothrombin time

Go to source).

Normal Range : The international normalized ratio (INR) is the standard reporting format of PT results. The results are shown below (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prothrombin time test

Go to source),

• The average time for blood to clot is about 10-13 seconds.
• In healthy people an INR of 1.1 or below is normal.
• An INR range of 2-3 is for the people taking warfarin for certain disorders.

Interpretation : If you are taking warfarin (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Prothrombin Time Test and INR (PT/INR)

Go to source):

• INR levels that are too low may mean you are at risk for dangerous blood clots.
• INR levels that are too high may mean you are at risk for dangerous bleeding.

If you are not taking warfarin and your INR or prothrombin time results were not normal, it may mean one of the following conditions:

• Bleeding disorder
• Clotting disorder
• Liver disease
• Vitamin K deficiency

References:

Revise This Test    Add New Test