PT-PTT Blood Test
 PT-PTT Blood Clotting Test |
What Is A PT-PTT Blood Test
PT-PTT is a blood test for measuring how quickly your blood clots. PT stands for Prothrombin time and PTT stands for Partial Thromboplastin Time.
What is PT-PTT?
PT-PTT is a blood test for measuring how quickly your blood clots. The PT-PTT test is sometimes ordered as pre-surgical screening for bleeding tendencies or when someone has unexplained bleeding or clotting.
What is Prothrombin?
Prothrombin is a protein produced by your liver that helps your blood to clot. During the clotting process prothrombin changes into a different substance called thrombin which is essential for blood coagulation.
Why Is PT-PTT Done?
A prothrombin time test is done to measure how quickly your blood will clot. Blood clotting is an important process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. A prothrombin time test is also used to detect liver problems, monitor the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications and detect bleeding problems before surgery.
How Is A PT-PTT Done?
A blood sample is taken from the patients arm with a syringe. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Can PT-PTT Show?
A prothrombin time test can show whether your blood is clotting too fast or too slow. Blood that clots too slowly can be causes by blood-thinning medications, liver problems, inadequate levels of proteins, vitamin K deficiency, estrogen-containing medications, antacids, quinidine, antibiotics or other medications. Blood that clots too fast can be causes by too much vitamin K from supplements and foods, estrogen-containing medications, thrombophlebitis, antifungal medications, antihistamines.
What Are The Risks Associated With PT-PTT?
The only risks with a prothrombin time test are those associated with drawing a sample of blood (soreness or bruising at the blood sampling point).
How Do I Prepare For A PT-PTT?
Typically fasting before the test is not required and you can take all medications. Do not take supplements the day of the test.
What Happens After The PT-PTT?
Results of the prothrombin time test are forwarded to your doctor. Abnormal results of the prothrombin time test may indicate a problem that requires additional testing.
Tags: Blood Clotting Test, Blood Tests, Surgery Tests, PT-PTT Blood Clotting Test - What is PT-PTT?
Description: What is PT-PTT? PT-PTT blood clotting test is a blood test for measuring how quickly your blood clots. PT stands for Prothrombin time and PTT stands for Partial Thromboplastin Time.