Description:

The PT or Prothrombin Time Test is a blood test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot. It is mainly a test given to detect bleeding problems, monitor people taking blood thinning medication, or for pre-surgical workups.

Why Do I Need It?:

If you’re heading into surgery, your doctor or plastic surgeon want to make sure your blood will clot and there aren’t any problems. It’s also needed to find a cause for abnormal bleeding/bruising, monitor how well your liver is working, and see if your blood-thinning medicine is working.

Other Relevant Tests:

Customers who purchase the PT Test also consider the Basic Check-Up, Comprehensive Male Panel or the Comprehensive Female Panel.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

High Results Indicate:

Elevated results are usually 2.5 – 3.5 depending on your medications. Elevated levels can indicate that your blood is taking too long to clot.

Low Results Indicate:

Low levels can indicate that your blood is clotting too quickly.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

You should see your primary care physician first. If further treatment is needed, you may be referred to a hematologist.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)