PT (PROTHROMBIN TIME)
The PT Test or Prothrombin Time Test is a blood test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot. It is mainly a test given to detect bleeding problems, monitor people taking anticoagulant medication, or for pre‐surgical workups.
Why Do I Need It?:
If you’re heading into surgery, your doctor or plastic surgeon will want to make sure your blood will clot and there aren’t any problems. It’s also used to find a cause for abnormal bleeding/bruising, to monitor how well your liver is working, and see if your blood‐thinning medicine is working.
Normal Range
No anticoagulant medications | 1.0 – 1.4 |
On anticoagulant medications | 2.0 – 3.0 |
High Results Indicate: Elevated results are usually 2.5 – 3.5 depending on your medications. Elevated levels can indicate that your blood is taking too long to clot.
Low Results Indicate: Low levels can indicate that your blood is clotting too quickly.