Prothrombin Time PT Test

Prothrombin time test is used to calculate how well or how quickly the body forms clots in case of an injury. This may be done:

• In those suffering from bleeding disorders, where body bleeds excessively when injured
• In clotting disorders, where there are formation of excessive clots. 
• In those taking warfarin (anticoagulant) to assess its efficiency.
• Prior to surgeries to know the risk of bleeding.
• In liver disorders.

• PT calculates how well or quickly the body forms clots in case of an injury. The physician may advise this test in the following cases:

• Assessing bleeding disorders like Haemophilia, where the body keeps bleeding after injury
• Monitoring the efficiency and correct dosage of blood-thinning medicines like warfarin
• Assessing liver diseases
• Assessing the formation of excessive clots in case of clotting disorders
• Before performing any surgery to avoid excessive bleeding and to make sure that the blood is clotting properly
• Vitamin K deficiency
• Obstructive jaundice
• Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn

Prothrombin time test measures the Prothrombin time in blood

Prothrombin time test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

Low PT indicates that the body is at a risk of forming excess blood clots which may mean a clotting disorder. High PT indicates delayed clotting which means that there is risk of bleeding excessively, occurs in cases of bleeding disorders. Vitamin K deficiency, liver disorders and certain medication like warfarin may also affect the PT.

If we are already on warfarin, we should delay its dose until the test. Ask the doctor or healthcare provider for other special instructions concerning certain medications, foods, alcohol or supplements.

This test is similar to the other blood tests, so we need not worry. But, we may experience some soreness or minor bruising at the blood collection site that may go away with time.

Some foods rich in vitamin K can affect the results. We should avoid eating them before the test. Foods such as broccoli, chickpeas, green tea, soybean products, kale, chickpea, turnip greens, asparagus, beef, and pork liver should be avoided.

PT test checks the prothrombin levels that help form blood clots. While the PPT test checks the plasma for coagulation factor abnormalities.

It is an inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood fails to clot properly, thus leading to spontaneous bleeding.

There are 13 coagulation factors, out of which prothrombin (Factor II) is the most important.

A high PT level indicates that there is serious liver damage or cirrhosis.

• People with the following symptoms should do the PT test:
• Unusual heavy nose bleeds
• Unusual heavy menstrual periods in women
• Unexplained heavy bleeding or easy bruising
• Bleeding gums
• Leg pain, swelling, or redness
• Trouble breathing, cough, or chest pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Swollen or painful joints
• Blood in the urine

• PT
• Pro Time
• Anticoagulant-prothrombin time
• Clotting time: protime
• INR
• International normalized ratio