Pt Ptt Inr Huh?

[Holly27]

I just started my new job and STILL can't get a grip on PTT,PT and INR. I couldn't even explain it if my patient was to ask. I've read about them over and over but still have a hard time understanding. So if anyone has a simple explanation I would really appreciate it. OH! A example would probably help out alot too!

[Skeezix288]

I have a job understanding INR, PT and PTT. I'm an LPN at Rufus Guinchard Health Centre in Port Au Choix, so I don't have anything to do with medications. (the only province in Canada where this happens - but is changing, not to mention that we don't deal with lab tests either) Anyway, I'm just wondering, if your INR is high, does this mean that your blood is not clotting properly and that you bruise easier.

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

I have a job understanding INR, PT and PTT. I'm an LPN at Rufus Guinchard Health Centre in Port Au Choix, so I don't have anything to do with medications. (the only province in Canada where this happens - but is changing, not to mention that we don't deal with lab tests either) Anyway, I'm just wondering, if your INR is high, does this mean that your blood is not clotting properly and that you bruise easier.

Yes, you are correct :) The way I explain this to my students: blood clots are like an insect getting caught in a spider's web. You need both the insect (platelet) and the spider's web (clotting factors) for the clot to occur. :uhoh21:

Anticoagulants (heparin, coumadin, lovenox) help prevent the fibrin mesh from occurring - in essence, preventing the formation of the "spider's web." Antiplatelets (such as plavix, aspirin, reopro) put a teflon coating on the platelets, making them less sticky so they are less prone to be "caught" in the fibrin web.

INR is simply an international ratio for PT, which measures the clotting ability of certain components of the "spider web" (fibrin). PTT also measures the clotting ability of other (less long-acting) components of this "web." An INR of "1" is normal -this is really easy to remember. Anything above "1" is high: the blood is losing its ability to clot and the client is at risk for bleeding. The higher the INR, the greater the risk for bleeding. Conversely, a low INR signifies increased risk for blood clots/ pulmonary emboli. Generally, providers aim for an INR of 2-3 in people who are at risk for blood clots/ stroke and will adjust coumadin dose accordingly.

Hope this helps

[black angel]

Hey,

U can explain to the patients by making it simple to understand. PT(promthrombin time), PTT(Partial Thromboplastin time), INR (International Normalised Rate)are a set of tests to measure the coagulation profile.

So if the PT/ PTT results is prolonged, it means pt is at risk of bleeding, easy brusing etc eg, when u off iv plug for the patient, it will take alonger time to stop the bleeding as compared to a pt with normal pt/ptt value.

PT/PTT is a set of tests to measure the coagulation profile, which measures the clotting time it takes to stop bleeding in a person. (eg: in a trauma, need to ensure that the PT/PTT is normal, if it's abnormal, need to give iv ffp or platelets.)

PT=

1) evaulates the adequacy of the extrinsic pathway and common pathway in the clotting mechanism;

2) provides a control for pts on long-term anti-coagulant therapy such as heparin.warfarin)

Therefore, PT value will tell u how fast/slow the clotting time is

PTT=

1)evaulates the intrinsic coagualtion system

2)Monitor pts on heparin therapy to aid in detecting Hemophilia A, Christmas disease, Congenital deficiency in clotting factors II, V,VIII, IX,X,XI & XII

3) screens for DIC, Liver failure & congenital clotting factors deficiency

INR=

1) measures how thin the blood is. (normal usually keep INR 2-3 for patients on anti-coagulant therapy:heparin, warfarin)

2) usually done for pts on anti-coagulant therapy

I hope this helps u understand better.

[Lori75]

I'm a new member and a new nurse preparing to write my Canadian Licensing Exam, Thanks so much for the responses to that question, I found it just by Googling "PT PTT" and I found this site and your responses helped me so much!!! I will be back all the time

[Skyyy]

I LOVE THIS SITE!!!

[Blu rose]

Me too :) I'm glad I found this site!