PT (Prothrombin Time) INR (International Normalized Ratio)
The PT (Prothrombin Time) INR (International Normalized Ratio) test assesses blood clotting time, particularly for individuals on blood-thinning medications like warfarin. The PT measures how long it takes for blood to clot, while the INR standardizes these results, ensuring consistent interpretation across different labs. This test helps monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulants and diagnose or manage various blood clotting disorders.
PT (Prothrombin Time):
Measures how long it takes for a blood sample to clot.
INR (International Normalized Ratio):
Standardizes PT results so they can be compared across different labs and test methods.
Why it's done:
- Monitoring warfarin: Helps ensure the right dosage of warfarin, a common blood thinner, to prevent blood clots.
- Diagnosing blood clotting disorders: Can identify issues with blood clotting, like bleeding disorders or liver disease.
- Pre-surgery check: Ensures a patient's blood clots properly before a procedure.
What the results mean:
- High INR: May indicate blood clots more slowly than desired, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Low INR: May indicate blood clots more quickly than desired, potentially increasing the risk of blood clots.