Prothrombin Time (PT)

Prothrombin time is a test to find out whether the blood is clotting properly. If a patient is on anticoagulant drugs, or has liver disease, the blood is 'thin' (ie, does not clot readily), and it can be dangerous to operate in such conditions. In an emergency situation, coagulation factors (present in blood) may have to be transfused to avoid serious blood loss during the operation.

Underlying Diseases/Conditions

Patients with liver disease, a bleeding disorder, or a neurological disease should be tested for prothrombin time.

Current Drugs Use

Prothrombin time should be investigated in those patients who are on radiation therapy.