Why is this procedure done?
Prothrombin time is also known as PT. It is a test done to measure the time it takes for your blood to clot. Your doctor may order this test: ‚
- To see if you have problems with blood clotting or bleeding
- To see if you have problems with your liver
- When you are on blood thinning drugs
- Before surgery to check for any bleeding problems
- With another test called a partial thromboplastin time or PTT test
- To calculate international normalized ratio or INR. By using the INR, doctors can compare results, no matter what lab has done the test.
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal.
- If the results are normal, your blood is likely clotting in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, this means it is taking a longer time for your blood to clot. This may be due to an illness or because of a drug you are taking.
- Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) and green tea before the test.
- Some foods can change test results. Ask your doctor if there are any food restrictions needed before taking the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how fast it clots. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
- If you are on blood thinning drugs your dose may change based on the PT results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your blood clotting. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/pt/tab/test ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_pt.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚