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Prothrombin Time

Price
£65

Turnaround

12 hours

Appointment

50 minutes

Prothrombin Test Tube

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pound iconPrice: £65

Turnaround: 12 hours

Appointment: 50 minutes

Prothrombin Time (PT) Blood Test

The way your blood clots plays a very important role in your overall well-being, as blood clotting helps prevent excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged.

To measure just how well your blood clots, a Prothrombin Time (PT) test is recommended. This beneficial blood test is used to assess the function of your blood’s clotting system and can help determine if your blood is clotting normally.

Do You Need A PT Test?

If you are experiencing unexplained bleeding or bruising and have a personal or a family history of blood clots or bleeding disorders, we recommend getting a Prothrombin Time test.

This test is also recommended if you are undergoing treatment with anticoagulant medications or are currently being evaluated for liver disease or a vitamin K deficiency.

Prothrombin Time Results Explained

Luckily, you will not be asked to interpret your results, as one of our doctors will interpret them for you. However, to give an idea of what we will be looking at goes as follows:

  • Normal range: Generally 11-13.5 seconds or an INR of 0.8-1.1 for people not on anticoagulants.
  • Prolonged PT/High INR: Indicates slower clotting, which may be caused by liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or anticoagulant medication.
  • Shortened PT/Low INR: Rare but could suggest a higher risk of abnormal clot formation.
Woman doctor smiling
Woman doctor taking notes

Why PT Testing Is Important

A Prothrombin Time blood test helps detect abnormal blood clotting. Assessing how well your blood clots matters, as slow clotting can lead to serious health issues, such as thrombosis (excessive clotting) or bleeding, known as haemorrhage (when insufficient clotting occurs).

However, that is not the only benefit a PT test offers. This beneficial blood test also helps detect and monitor conditions that affect clotting, including:

  • Liver disease: The liver produces many clotting factors so that liver dysfunction can lead to abnormal PT results.
  • Vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K is vital for clotting factor production.
  • Bleeding disorders: Such as haemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
  • Anticoagulant therapy: The test ensures blood-thinning medications are working effectively without causing excessive clotting or bleeding.

Factors That Can Affect Your PT Test Results

Several factors can influence Prothrombin Time results. Some of these include:

  • Dietary habits: High vitamin K intake (found in leafy greens) may shorten clotting time
  • Medications: Anticoagulants, antibiotics, and certain supplements can alter results
  • Underlying health conditions: Such as liver disease, thyroid disorders, or infections
  • Alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking can impact liver function and clotting factors

Statistics​

Is normal Prothrombin activity in blood
0 %
Prolonged PT may indicate liver disease
0 %
Is the standard PT range for adults
0 Sec
Prolonged PT linked to vitamin K deficiencies
0 %

How To Book A Blood Test?

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly phlebotomists or trained clinicians.

Procedure

preparing for appointment

Preparing for test

We strongly recommend you inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking. This is very important, as some of these can affect blood clotting time. Also be sure to share any history of bleeding disorders you may have, recent surgeries you have undergone, or other illnesses that might affect your clotting.

during the appointment

During the test

Inform your doctor if you feel anxious or have a history of fainting during blood draws. Just remember, only a small amount of blood will be drawn from a vein, typically in the arm. The process usually takes only a few minutes and is minimally painful.

post appointment

Results

Your results are usually available within a day or two. Your doctor will discuss them with you, and if you are on anticoagulants, your doctor may (or may not) suggest periodic PT/INR testing to monitor and adjust your dosage.

Why Choose Walk In Clinic
for blood testing

No
Hidden Charges

Transparent fees. The price you see is the price you pay.

No GP consultation
needed

No GP appointment requirement for blood tests

Established
since 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team.

Strictly
confidential

Your medical records are kept private at all times.

testimonials​

Blood Test Biomarkers

pricing

Prothrombin Time

  • Quick diagnosis
  • Detects liver issues
  • Provides critical insights

see other blood tests

Book Your Blood Test Today

We offer a wide range of private blood tests in London. Same-day appointments are available 5 days a week.

Specialist Medical Team

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

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Can certain medications or my diet affect my PT test results?
Yes, they can. Blood thinners, food rich in vitamin K-rich foods, antibiotics, and certain herbal supplements can influence your PT results. Therefore, it is important to avoid sudden changes to your diet (particularly with foods high in vitamin K) before your PT blood test and inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking.
What does a longer-than-normal PT mean?
It may indicate liver disease (due to reduced clotting factor production), a vitamin K deficiency (a vitamin important for clotting), the effects of blood-thinning medication, or the presence of a bleeding disorder (e.g., haemophilia).
How does a PT blood test differ from other coagulation tests?
A PT test assesses the extrinsic and common pathways of clotting, while tests like APTT focus on the intrinsic pathway. The two together help in building a complete picture of the clotting function.

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