Blood Test : Coagulation Profile

The coagulation profile measures the interval of time for several stages of the blood clotting cycle. Values are reported in seconds (the time it takes for the blood to clot). Also referred to as the PROTHROMBIN TIME (PT) and PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIME (PTT), these tests give the doctor information pertaining to liver function (the liver produces clotting factors needed to make blood coagulate). Conditions where the coagulation profile is of importance include:

1. ASSESSMENT OF LIVER FUNCTION

2. AS A PRE-OPERATIVE SCREENING TEST BEFORE SURGERY

3. TO FOLLOW AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE ANTI-COAGULATION IN THOSE PATIENTS TAKING ANTI-COAGULANTS (Coumadin).

4. ESTABLISHING BASELINE COAGULATION IN PATIENTS BEING CONSIDERED FOR ANTICOAGULATION THERAPY.

5. TESTING COAGULATION IN PATIENTS WITH A DISEASE PROCESS KNOWN TO INTERFERE WITH COAGULATION.

The coagulation profile is performed from a venipuncture specimen.

APPROXIMATE NORMAL VALUES

Prothrombin Time (PT)..........11.0 to 12.5 seconds (results vary with regard to controls). Elevated above normal in patients taking blood thinners (Coumadin) or in those who are vitamin K deficient. Therapeutic anticoagulation is often approximately 1.5 times the normal prothrombin time (or a PT of about 17-18).

Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT).....25 to 50 seconds (results vary with regard to controls). Elevated in some cases of severe liver disease (cirrhosis).

MEDICAL TESTS

Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal X-Ray
Allergy Testing
Amniocentesis
Amylase Blood Test
Angiodynography
Angiogram
Arterial Blood Gases
Arthrocentesis
Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Blood Chemistry
Blood Coagulation Test
Blood Cultures
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Test Smac 25
Bone Marrow Biopsy Aspiration
Cardiac Catheterization Angioplasty
Cardiac Enzymes
Cholesterol Blood Test
Complete Blood Count
CT Scanning Back
CT Scanning Chest Abdomen
Drug Levels
Glucose Tolerance Test
Hepatitis Blood Test
HIV Blood Test
Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Blood Test
Lipoproteins
Liver Biopsy
Liver Blood Test
Lymph Node Biopsy
Mononucleosis Test
Paracentesis
Peritoneal Lavage
Pregnancy Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen
Skin Biopsy
Spine X-Rays
Thyroid Biopsy
Thyroid Blood Test
Toxicology