PROTHROMBIN TIME Meaning and
Definition
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Prothrombin Time (PT) is a medical test used to measure the effectiveness of the blood clotting process, particularly the activity of key clotting factors in the blood. It is primarily used to assess the function of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation. The test measures the time it takes for the blood plasma to form a clot after the addition of specific substances that activate coagulation.
During the test, a small sample of blood is collected and mixed with a reagent containing calcium ions and a tissue factor. This substance triggers the clotting process, and the time it takes for clot formation is recorded. The result is often reported in seconds, indicating the duration required for clot formation.
Prothrombin Time is commonly measured in patients who are taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin or heparin, as it helps monitor these drugs' effect on blood clotting. It is also used in the diagnosis and management of various bleeding disorders, liver diseases, vitamin K deficiency, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
The reference range for PT may vary slightly among laboratories, but a normal result typically falls between 11 to 13.5 seconds. Any prolongation of the test may suggest an increased risk of bleeding, while a shorter time could indicate a risk of blood clots. Additionally, a standardized international normalized ratio (INR) is often calculated using the PT result for better comparison and monitoring of anticoagulation therapy.
Common Misspellings for PROTHROMBIN TIME
- orothrombin time
- lrothrombin time
- -rothrombin time
- 0rothrombin time
- peothrombin time
- pdothrombin time
- pfothrombin time
- ptothrombin time
- p5othrombin time
- p4othrombin time
- prithrombin time
- prkthrombin time
- prlthrombin time
- prpthrombin time
- pr0thrombin time
- pr9thrombin time
- prorhrombin time
- profhrombin time
- proghrombin time
- proyhrombin time
Etymology of PROTHROMBIN TIME
The word "Prothrombin Time" is formed by combining two different terms: "Prothrombin" and "Time".
- "Prothrombin" comes from the Greek word "próthrombos", which translates to "first clot". It is a protein involved in the blood clotting process, specifically the conversion of the inactive precursor prothrombin to the active enzyme thrombin.
- "Time" is derived from the Old English word "tīma", which refers to a period or duration. In this context, it signifies the duration it takes for prothrombin to be converted into thrombin when blood clotting is measured.
When combined, the term "Prothrombin Time" denotes the laboratory test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot, indicating the presence or absence of certain clotting factors or the efficacy of anticoagulant medication.
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