AN OVERVIEW
About Prothrombin Time Test
Why is the Prothrombin Time Test done?
When a person gets a cut, they bleed for a while before there is the formation of a reddish net-like structure that prevents further bleeding. This net-like structure is a clot and the process of formation of the clot is known as coagulation.
Prothrombin or factor II is essential for clotting. This protein is produced in the liver and takes an active part in the process of clotting. It is this factor that determines how soon or how delayed the clotting time is. The prothrombin time test also monitors the effects of the medicine warfarin.
The test is ordered when the person shows the following symptoms of bleeding disorders:
- Easily gets bruised
- Suffers from heavy and unexplained bleeding
- Suffers from heavy nose bleeds without stress
- Women see heavy bleeding
The test is also ordered when the person shows the following signs of clotting disorders:
- Swelling in the legs
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain
- Red streaks seen on legs
- Frequent leg pains
What does the Prothrombin Time Test measure?
The test measures the time that prothrombin takes to form a clot. The INR or international normalized ratio provides an estimated time that a normal blood plasma sample will take to form the clot. This is done by collecting the plasma from the blood and subjecting it to some tissue factor and then recording the time taken for the clot to form.
People whose clotting time is not within the normal time range might be suffering from:
- Liver diseases
- Deficiency of vitamin K
- Hemophilia
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation or DIC
Both high and low production of prothrombin is harmful to the body. While high INR might indicate excessive bleeding, a low INR indicates that the person is at risk of developing clots within the capillaries without any wounding. This test is also effective in monitoring if people are on medication to treat deep vein thrombosis or other blood thinners.
Potential risks/side effects associated with the Prothrombin Time Test
The prothrombin time test requires blood samples for the checking procedure. When people who are opting for this screening test are already having disorders related to blood and bleeding, some extra preventive measures are required. During the collection of blood from the vein, the person might see excessive bleeding or feel dizzy.
The pt inr test in Chandigarh can also be conducted via pricking the fingertip and collecting the blood on a strip.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
What are blood thinners?
Blood thinners are anticoagulants that help prevent the formation of excessive clots in the body. Conditions like deep vein thrombosis cause clots to form fast. These thinners help keep that in check.
How to ensure normal clotting?
Having a diet with sufficient vitamin Kbroccoli, soybean, chickpeas, livercan help ensure a healthy clotting mechanism.
What medicines cause clotting to be fast?
Pills containing estrogen often cause clots to form easily.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the Prothrombin Time Test results
The time taken for the clot to form is between 10 to 13 seconds. This is the normal time, in seconds. In terms of INR, 1.1 or below is considered normal, and the prothrombin functioning is healthy. For people taking medications like warfarin, the normal range should be between 2.0 to 3.0. For others, high INR means clotting is slow and when INR is low, it means clotting happens very fast.
Prothrombin Time Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 50*
The prothrombin time or pt inr test in Chandigarh is conducted to check the time that prothrombin takes in order to form a clot. This test plays a vital role in helping screen and monitor patients with factors that lead to delayed or no clotting of blood.
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