Why pt is high

Low levels of blood clotting factors. A change in the activity of any of the clotting factors. The absence of any of the clotting factors.

Other substances, called inhibitors, that affect the clotting factors. An increase in the use of the clotting factors. Check the effects of warfarin Coumadin.

You will have the test regularly to make sure you are taking the right dose. Check for low levels of blood clotting factors. The lack of some clotting factors can cause bleeding disorders such as hemophilia , which is passed in families inherited. Check if it is safe to do a procedure or surgery that might cause bleeding. Check how well the liver is working. Prothrombin levels are checked along with other liver tests, such as aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase.

Check to see if the body is using up its clotting factors so quickly that the blood can't clot and bleeding does not stop. This may mean the person has disseminated intravascular coagulation DIC. How To Prepare In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to. How It Is Done A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm. At-home devices are small and lightweight. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If you are taking warfarin: INR levels that are too low may mean you are at risk for dangerous blood clots. INR levels that are too high may mean you are at risk for dangerous bleeding. Your health care provider will probably change your dose of warfarin to reduce these risks. If you are not taking warfarin and your INR or prothrombin time results were not normal, it may mean one of the following conditions: A bleeding disorder, a condition in which the body can't clot blood properly, causing excessive bleeding A clotting disorder, a condition in which the body forms excessive clots in arteries or veins Liver disease Vitamin K deficiency.

Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting. References American Society of Hematology [Internet]. Washington D. Blood Clots; [cited Jan 30]; [about 3 screens]. Excessive Clotting Disorders; [updated Oct 29; cited Jan 30]; [about 2 screens].

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c— Must I answer personal questions? Is there counseling? How long after exposure does it take to test positive? Can test results be wrong? What should I do if I test positive? What should I do if I test negative? Their risk of bleeding is slightly higher than for people without bleeding problems.

Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. Ortel TL. Antithrombotic therapy. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; chap The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Call for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Information developed by A. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have. Medical Tests. Definition Prothrombin time PT is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the liquid portion plasma of your blood to clot.

How to Prepare for the Test Certain medicines can change blood test results.