Prothrombin Time Test

The Prothrombin Time Test (PT) measures how long it takes for your blood to clot. It gauges the function of certain proteins in your blood that are vital for clotting. A longer than normal PT can indicate issues with blood clotting, which may be due to liver problems, vitamin K deficiency, or the effects of blood-thinning medications. The test helps doctors assess bleeding risks and monitor patients undergoing treatment for clotting disorders. Results are often given as a time in seconds or compared to a control value to determine clotting efficiency.