Lab Test Question

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This is probably a very stupid question, but could someone please tell me the difference between a PT (Prothrombin) Test and a PT-INR?

I found the PT test in my diagnostic/lab handbook, but can't find the other one and I need to hand in a paper giving the clinical and nursing significance of both. Is there some other name that PT-INR goes by? :o

Thanks ahead of time for indulging my probably very silly question....

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.
This is probably a very stupid question, but could someone please tell me the difference between a PT (Prothrombin) Test and a PT-INR?

I found the PT test in my diagnostic/lab handbook, but can't find the other one and I need to hand in a paper giving the clinical and nursing significance of both. Is there some other name that PT-INR goes by? :o

Thanks ahead of time for indulging my probably very silly question....

I just learned this term as well and don't know a whole lot about it. It is to standardize PT times in pts that are on anticoagulation therapy like Coumadin. Here's a link with good information: http://www.enw.org/Research-INR.htm

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I'm definitely no expert on it, but what I found in my diagnostic and lab. book basically says that the INR(international normalized ratio) is not a different test, just a way to make it more uniform nation wide so there isn't any discrepancies. So it's pretty much the same test, just the values are messed with to show them in a more standardized answer.

Might look in your lab book just under INR.

Hope it helps some

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Many thanks to both of you......this has stopped me from pulling out what is left of my frizzy, neglected nursing-school hair! :chuckle

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Specializes in Critical Care Baby!!!!!.

PT/INR are one in the same. They are usually a simultaneous lab test. The PT is the Prothrombin time and the INR is the ratio. If a patient is in a-fib and on Coumadin docs like to see and INR between 2.0 - 3.0. The PT result that you get is the amount of seconds it takes for a clot to form in the tube that the blood was collected in. If the INR is less than 2.0 they will increase the dose of Coumadin, if it is greater than 3.0 they will lower the dose. But remember, this all depends on the patient. If the patient had heart valve surgery they will want the INR a little higher. Hope this helps!

Tracey

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Thank you very much Tracey. That definitely helps!!

:)

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