PROTHROMBIN TIMES Meaning and
Definition
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Prothrombin times refer to a laboratory test used to assess the clotting ability of blood, specifically measuring the amount of time it takes for prothrombin, a protein involved in blood clotting, to form a clot. This test is commonly used to monitor the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, and to detect disorders or abnormalities that affect blood clotting.
The prothrombin time test is conducted by adding calcium and other clotting reagents to a blood sample, which initiates the clotting process. The time it takes for the clot to form is measured in seconds or reported as the international normalized ratio (INR), a standardized value that compensates for differences in reagents and laboratories. An INR within the target range indicates that blood clotting is adequately controlled.
The prothrombin time test is essential in managing anticoagulation therapy to ensure proper dosing of medications and minimize the risk of bleeding or blood clots. It is also used to diagnose conditions such as liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, and certain inherited or acquired clotting disorders. Monitoring prothrombin times provides valuable information about an individual's coagulation system, allowing healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding treatment, dosage adjustments, and overall patient care.
Common Misspellings for PROTHROMBIN TIMES
- orothrombin times
- lrothrombin times
- -rothrombin times
- 0rothrombin times
- peothrombin times
- pdothrombin times
- pfothrombin times
- ptothrombin times
- p5othrombin times
- p4othrombin times
- prithrombin times
- prkthrombin times
- prlthrombin times
- prpthrombin times
- pr0thrombin times
- pr9thrombin times
- prorhrombin times
- profhrombin times
- proghrombin times
- proyhrombin times
Etymology of PROTHROMBIN TIMES
The term "Prothrombin Times" is a medical term used to determine the clotting ability of blood. It consists of two components: "Prothrombin" and "Times".
1. Prothrombin: The word "prothrombin" refers to a clotting protein found in blood plasma. It is produced in the liver and is crucial for the normal clotting process. The term "prothrombin" is derived from the Greek words "pro-" meaning "before" and "thrombin" referring to an enzyme involved in blood clotting.
2. Times: In this context, "times" is used as a noun to indicate a specific measurement or value in time. It is commonly used in medical jargon to describe various laboratory tests that are timed, such as the time it takes for blood to clot.
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