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The prothrombin time test (PTT) measures the time duration that it takes for the synthesis of blood clots in a specimen of blood. PTT test is for diagnosing blood clotting disorders. This test measures the time duration for the formation of blood clots so if the time is below the normal range, the blood clots are excessively fast and if the PTT is abnormally high then the system takes longer to form blood clots. The calculation of the international normalized ratio (INR) is based on the results of the prothrombin test (PT). Labwork360 provides prothrombin time test in Houston at all its centers.
The liver is the organ in the body that is involved in the synthesis of prothrombin protein and it is one of the many chemicals in the body which are known as coagulation or clotting factors.
An unusually long PT, such as 17 seconds, indicates a malfunction of the liver which causes it to be unable to synthesize blood clotting proteins in the right quantity. Liver diseases such as cirrhosis and intense liver damage generally cause excessive PT levels.
The purpose of this test is diagnosing of potential disorders in the blood.
Prothrombin is a protein that is necessary for clotting blood in the body. The liver makes this protein and it clots blood in the body.
PTT measurements are often expressed in terms of the international normalized ratio (INR). For instance, INR is used when PTT is used to analyze the effects of blood-thinning warfarin medications in the body.
The prothrombin time test (PTT) has many purposes:
One of the crucial reasons is the diagnosis of liver health problems such as cirrhosis and other diseases which may intensely affect the liver.
The other reason is to monitor the effect of medications such as warfarin.
Generally, the PTT test is prescribed to patients before a surgical operation to analyze the ability of the blood to clot.
Before a liver transplant. It is one of the many tests prescribed to patients who await a liver transplant.
Diagnosis of bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
The normal range for prothrombin time is 11-13.5 seconds which is when the individual does not take any blood thinning medications, for instance, warfarin.
Low PTT means the blood clots over the wound unusually fast. Though this may not indicate a health disorder, it may occur due to a hypercoagulable state. In such a state, the risk of clotting of blood in the veins increases significantly so low PTT levels are also harmful to health and need medical treatment.
Low prothrombin time is diagnosed when blood takes longer than usual. This can be due to several factors such as:
Liver diseases
Deficiency of vitamin K
Medications that cause thinning of blood
Deficiency of proteins that help the blood clot
Other factors present in the blood that affect the functioning of the clotting factors
Prothrombin time test only takes a few minutes as it only uses blood samples and it is just like any other blood test. So the risk of side effects is very low in the prothrombin test and it can only cause minor bruising or soreness at the site of blood drawn from the arm.
The samples of blood are analyzed in the laboratory so the results of the test are generally available within hours only. In certain anticoagulation clinics, the nurse draws blood samples through a finger stick and provides the result of the test in only a few minutes.
Outcomes of the prothrombin time test are provided in one of two ways, in seconds, or as an INR ratio.
Labwork360 provides prothrombin time test in Houston, as well as many other diagnostic tests. The prothrombin time test in Houston can also be ordered at home by contacting the lab. As this test only tests blood specimens so it only takes a few minutes for the professional phlebotomist to collect the samples.
Prothrombin time test provides information about abnormally fast or slow clotting of blood. The mean time that it takes for blood to clot is approximately 10-13 seconds. If it takes more time than this, it means blood clotting is taking excessive time. A low number means blood clotting is unusually quicker.
INR ratio is used to express the results of the prothrombin time test to make it easy to compare the results of the test from different laboratories, especially when the patient uses medications that make the blood thin.
The normal INR ratio is 1.1 or less than it. INR in the 2-3 range is an effective therapy for individuals who take warfarin for health problems such as blood clots in the lung or leg or atrial fibrillation. Higher INR is generally required for these conditions as well as others such as having a mechanical valve of the heart.
High prothrombin time levels indicate quicker clotting of blood. This can be due to:
Vitamin K-containing supplements.
High consumption of vitamin K-containing foods, such as chickpeas, broccoli, liver, turnip greens, soybeans products, kale, green tea, and chickpeas.
Medications that contain estrogen, for instance, hormone replacement therapy and birth control medications.
Vitamin K is an important nutrient that has a significant function in the clotting of blood. It is part of the chemical processes which take place in the formation of blood clots in the body. This protein helps to make 4 of the total of 13 proteins that are necessary for the clotting of blood.
Blood clotting prevents continuous bleeding from wounds to help them heal. Anticoagulants or blood thinners are often prescribed to individuals to prevent the clotting of blood in the lung, legs, or heart.
Vitamin K helps the blood clot, whereas warfarin medication prevents the use of vitamin K for blood clotting. Foods containing vitamin K are generally not harmful to health, however, taking certain supplements of this vitamin can cause toxicity. Moreover, this vitamin can interact with many common medicines, such as anticonvulsants, blood thinners, weight-loss drugs, antibiotics, and drugs that lower cholesterol levels.
Zinc has proved to be a significant element for blood clotting. Platelet cells in the blood release zinc that control the blood clotting function. Abnormal levels of zinc in the body can cause the formation of unnecessary clots of blood.
Labwork360 is an approved medical diagnostic lab serving in Houston. We provide several types of diagnostic tests and perform them meticulously, ensuring accurate testing. Moreover, we provide a mobile phlebotomy service, so people can call us to visit them to collect samples. If you have any queries about diagnostic testing or our services, consult with us through our helpline.
Low PTT levels make the blood clotting process fast but it is harmful to health as it increases the risk of blood clots in veins. One of the ways to make blood clotting quicker is to apply ice to wounds. This will constrict the vessels of blood, leading to quicker clotting of blood to prevent bleeding.