PROTHROMBIN TIME(PT)
A Prothrombin time is a test used to help detect and diagnose a bleeding disorder or excessive clotting disorder ,the international Normalised Ratio(INR) is calculated from a PT Result and is used to monitor the effect of warfarin administartion and to regulate the dose of anticoagulants
A blood sample drawn from a vein is used,no special preparation used except that if you are receiving anticoagulant therapy ,blood sample should be collected before taking your daily dose
INR is applicable only for those taking the blood thinning medications
It is to standardize results across various laboratories and various reagents
Some antibiotics can increase PT and INR.Barbiturates,oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy and Vitamin K reduce Prothrombin time
Drinking alcohol,certain foods,Beef and Pork liver,Green Tea,Broccoli,Chickpeas,Kale,Turnip greens,soyabean chunks contain large amount of Vitamin K and can alter PT results.
It is important that the health care provider knows about the drugs ,supplements and foods that you have consumed recently so that PT and INR results are interpreted and used correctly