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PT INR (Prothrombin Time)

Also known as Prothrombin Time International Normalized Ratio

₹349

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

A duly filled coagulation requisition form (Annexure - CR/05) is mandatory for sample collection.
Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory.
Kindly provide complete clinical details and medication history or doctor's prescription; this information is important for correlation of your test results.

Understanding PT INR (Prothrombin Time)

What is PT INR (Prothrombin Time)?

The PT INR (Prothrombin Time) test helps assess the clotting ability of blood. It also provides essential information to manage bleeding or clotting disorders. Additionally, it helps monitor treatment effectiveness if you are on blood-thinning medicines. This test also helps check for clotting function before a scheduled surgery.

Blood clotting is a complex physiological process that involves various blood components and coagulation factors. It is vital for preventing excessive bleeding and maintaining overall health. Prothrombin is a protein and type of clotting (coagulation) factor the liver makes. A PT/INR test helps measure how long it takes for blood to clot. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a standardized method used to interpret test results consistently.

The PT INR (Prothrombin Time) test can be done if you have symptoms of bleeding or clotting disorders, such as unexplained heavy bleeding, easy bruising, unusual heavy nose bleeds, leg swelling, redness on the legs, or chest pain. It also helps monitor and adjust medication dosages in patients taking anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin. PT/INR test is also vital in diagnosing conditions such as hemophilia, liver disease, and vitamin K deficiency, which can impair the blood's ability to clot blood.

Usually, overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is preferred before a PT/INR test, and a duly filled coagulation requisition form is mandatory for sample collection.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help the doctor prevent, manage, and treat coagulation-related health issues.

What is PT INR (Prothrombin Time) used for?

The PT INR (Prothrombin Time) test is done:

To detect and diagnose bleeding or clotting disorders.
Before planning a surgical procedure.
To monitor the treatment efficacy in patients taking anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin.
To diagnose liver disease, hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, and other disorders that can impair the blood's ability to clot.
To aid monitoring in conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which involve the formation of harmful blood clots.

What does PT INR (Prothrombin Time) measure?

The PT INR (Prothrombin Time) test measures the Prothrombin Time (PT) and reports it as the International Normalized Ratio (INR). The PT measures how long it takes for blood to clot. Specifically, it assesses the factors in the blood that help initiate the clotting process. The INR is a standardized interpretation of the PT results. It is calculated to ensure consistency in interpreting PT values across different laboratories and testing methods. It is particularly important when monitoring patients on anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin. The INR helps adjust medication dosages to maintain blood clotting within a therapeutic range.

Interpreting PT INR (Prothrombin Time) results

Interpretations

Prothrombin time longer than the normal range indicates a bleeding disorder where blood takes a longer time to clot.

Prothrombin time shorter than the normal range indicates a clotting disorder where blood takes less time to clot.

The PT and aPTT tests are usually performed and evaluated simultaneously, and the results may be interpreted as follows:

PT RESULT	aPTT RESULT	CONDITIONS INDICATED
High	Normal	Liver diseases, Vitamin K deficiency, reduced activity of Factor VII, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), Warfarin treatment
Normal	High	Reduced activity of Factors VIII, IX, XI, or XII, Von Willebrand disease, autoantibodies destroying one or more coagulation factors
High	High	Reduced activity of Factors I, II, V or X, liver diseases, DIC, an overdose of Warfarin
Normal	Normal	Normal hemostasis usually. However, normal results may also appear in a mild reduction in coagulation factor activity and mild cases of Von Willebrand disease.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PT INR (Prothrombin Time)

Frequently Asked Questions about PT INR (Prothrombin Time)

Q. What is the purpose of the PT/INR (Prothrombin Time International Normalized Rate) test?

The Prothrombin Time International Normalized Rate test helps detect and diagnose a bleeding disorder or an excessive clotting disorder and is used to monitor how well blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin, are working to prevent blood clots.

Q. How is the PT INR (Prothrombin Time) test performed?

A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and draw blood from your veins using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the lab for analysis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the PT/INR test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times daily for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. What are some apparent symptoms of bleeding or clotting disorders?

Visible symptoms of bleeding or clotting disorders include unexplained heavy bleeding, abnormal menstrual bleeding in women, easy bruising and bleeding, frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and repeated heart attacks or strokes.

Q. What other tests can be performed along with the PT/INR test?

Liver tests such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) can be performed along with the PT/INR test.

Q. What conditions can affect blood clotting to cause bleeding disorders?

Certain inherited conditions such as hemophilia, clotting factor deficiency, vitamin K deficiency, liver diseases, bone marrow disorders, von Willebrand disease, and cancers like leukemia can cause bleeding disorders.

Q. What do abnormal PT/INR results indicate?

Abnormal PT/INR results may suggest a higher risk of bleeding or clotting disorders, coagulation issues like hemophilia or liver disease, or the need for adjustments in anticoagulant medication dosages.

Q. Why is the INR value important for patients on anticoagulant therapy?

The INR value helps maintain consistent interpretations of PT results and guides the adjustment of anticoagulant medication dosages. This ensures that blood clotting remains within a therapeutic range.

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