Post by annelieseRN on Mar 7, 2013 22:33:57 GMT -5
Results
Prothrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot.
Normal
The normal values listed here-called a reference range-are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
A method of standardizing prothrombin time results, called the international normalized ratio (INR) system, has been developed so the results among labs using different test methods can be understood in the same way. Using the INR system, treatment with blood-thinning medicine (anticoagulant therapy) will be the same. In some labs, only the INR is reported and the PT is not reported.
Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR)
(Heperin)
Prothrombin time (PT):
11-13 seconds
International normalized ratio (INR):
0.8-1.1
The warfarin (Coumadin) dose is changed so that the prothrombin time is longer than normal (by about 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value or INR values 2 to 3). Prothrombin times are also kept at longer times for people with artificial heart valves, because these valves have a high chance of causing clots to form.
What are PT, PTT and INR blood tests?
Before you have surgery your doctor may order blood tests to determine how quickly your blood clots. This group of tests is known as a coagulation study, individually these tests are commonly referred to as a PT (Prothrombin Time), PTT(Partial Thromboplastin Time), and INR (International Normalized Ratio).
During some surgeries it is important that the blood not clot as quickly as normal, and medications may be given to slow the clotting time. Drugs commonly used to slow clotting have a variety of names, but Heparin, Coumadin, Lovenox and Warfarin are among the most common. In other cases, the patient may not clot quickly enough, and steps may be taken to make the blood to clot more quickly.
Prothrombin Time Blood Test-PT
This test is done to evaluate the blood for its ability to clot. It is often done before surgery to evaluate how likely the patient is to have a bleeding or clotting problem during or after surgery.
Normal PT Values: 10-12 seconds (this can vary slightly from lab to lab)
Common causes of a prolonged PT include vitamin K deficiency, hormones drugs including hormone replacements and oral contraceptives, disseminated intravascular coagulation (a serious clotting problem that requires immediate intervention), liver disease, and the use of the anti-coagulant drug warfarin. Additionally, the PT result can be altered by a diet high in vitamin K, liver, green tea, dark green vegetables and soybeans.
Partial Thromboplastin Time Blood Test-PTT
This test is performed primarily to determine if heparin (blood thinning) therapy is effective. It can also be used to detect the presence of a clotting disorder. It does not show the effects of drugs called “low molecular weight heparin” or most commonly by the brand name Lovenox.
Normal PTT Values: 30 to 45 seconds (this can value slightly from lab to lab)
Extended PTT times can be a result of anticoagulation therapy, liver problems, lupus and other diseases that result in poor clotting.
International Normalized Ratio Blood Test-INR
Normal INR Values: 1 to 2
The INR is used to make sure the results from a PT test is the same at one lab as it is at another lab. In the 1980’s the World Health Organization determined that patients may be at risk because the results of a PT test would vary from one lab to another, based upon the way the test was done. The “normal” range for one lab would be different than a “normal” value from another lab, creating problems for patients who were being treated in several locations. In order to standardize the results between labs, the INR was created. The INR result should be the same, regardless of the location where the tests are performed.