No fasting is needed. To confirm the day's timings, call 8872524007.
What the PT/INR test checks
PT measures the "extrinsic" and common pathways of clotting. Those depend on factors VII, X, V, II (prothrombin) and fibrinogen, several of which the liver makes using vitamin K. When any of them is low, PT gets longer.
Because each reagent batch behaves a little differently, it carries a sensitivity number called the ISI. The INR formula uses it to cancel out differences between labs, so an INR of 2.5 here should mean the same as an INR of 2.5 in Chandigarh.
Why your doctor may order it
- monitoring blood thinners of the warfarin type, often every few weeks
- before surgery, a biopsy or a dental extraction
- liver disease, where PT is one of the measures of how well the liver is working
- unexplained bleeding or bruising
- suspected vitamin K deficiency, for instance with poor diet, long antibiotic courses or problems absorbing fat
How to prepare
You can eat normally. If you take warfarin or Acitrom, keep your usual routine unless your doctor has said otherwise, and tell us your dose and when you last took it. Large changes in how much green leafy food you eat (saag, methi, palak) can shift the INR, so mention any big change in diet to your doctor. Some antibiotics and herbal products also interact; bring a list.
Sample type and report time
PT needs a light-blue citrate tube, and it must be filled to the line. The tube holds liquid citrate in a fixed 9:1 ratio with blood; an under-filled tube gives a falsely long result and has to be repeated. Plasma is best tested within a few hours. If you book home sample collection, let us know it's a PT so the collector brings the right tube and brings it back promptly. Report: usually the same day if given by 11 am.
Understanding your results
In people not on blood thinners, PT is commonly around 11–14 seconds and INR around 0.8–1.2. The range printed on your report is the one that applies, as ranges vary by lab and reagent.
On warfarin, doctors set a target INR for each patient. Many targets sit between 2 and 3, and some heart valve patients are kept higher. A high INR can be associated with anticoagulant effect, liver disease or low vitamin K. A low INR in a patient on warfarin can mean the effect is weaker than intended. Don't change your dose based on a report; your doctor reads the result alongside your symptoms and other tests.
FAQ
What is the difference between PT and INR?
PT is the raw time in seconds. INR is a calculated ratio that makes results comparable across labs and is the number warfarin doses are based on.
How often should INR be checked?
Your doctor decides. Early in treatment it's often weekly; once stable, it may be every few weeks.
Where is a PT INR test near me in Banur?
For a PT INR test near me in Banur, Alpha Laboratory on M.C. Road collects the sample from 7 am.
Can I take my warfarin before the test?
Ask your doctor what they prefer and follow it each time. Consistency matters more than the exact timing.
Book at Alpha Laboratory
For a regular PT INR test, many patients come at the same time each visit, which makes trends easier to read. Call 8872524007, WhatsApp us, or reach us through the contact page.