PROTHROMBIN TIME (PT) & PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIMES (PT PTT)

PT PTT; PRO TIME AND PTT

The prothrombin time (PT) test measures how quickly your blood clots. Taking Coumadin is the most common cause of prolonged PT.

Other possible causes include:

• Vitamin K deficiency
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Liver disease
• Hormone drugs, including hormone replacements and oral contraceptives

Additionally, the PT result can be altered by a diet high in beef or pork liver, green tea, dark green vegetables, and soybeans.

The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test is performed primarily to determine if heparin therapy is effective and it can also detect a clotting/bleeding disorder. However, it can't be used to monitor the effect of drugs such as Lovenox, which are used to prevent and treat blood clots in the legs and complications of heart disease.

Several conditions and medications can impact your PTT test results, including:

• Taking heparin
• Taking coumadin
• Anticoagulation therapy
• Vitamin K deficiency
• Liver problems
• Lupus anticoagulant
• Antiphospholipid syndrome
• Antihistamines (allergy medications)
• Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
• Vitamin C
• Thorazine (chlorpromazine)