We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
We stand behind our service
Go directly to the lab, no extra fees
With friendly doctor's notes & guidance
Lab visit as quick as 10 mins in & out
This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained bruising, frequent nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts. It helps identify blood clotting disorders by measuring prothrombin levels, a key protein that helps your blood clot properly. Many people use this test when they have a family history of bleeding disorders or are being evaluated before surgery to ensure their blood clots normally.
Generally, no special preparation is required for a prothrombin test. You can eat and drink normally before the test, and you don't need to fast. However, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're taking, especially blood thinners or anticoagulants, as these can affect your results. Your provider will let you know if you need to temporarily stop any medications before testing.
This test measures prothrombin (Factor II), a crucial protein produced by your liver that plays a central role in the blood clotting cascade. By measuring prothrombin levels, this test helps identify bleeding disorders, clotting abnormalities, and can assess liver function since the liver produces this protein. It's particularly useful for diagnosing inherited bleeding disorders, evaluating unexplained bleeding episodes, and monitoring certain medical conditions that affect blood clotting.
What this means
Your prothrombin level is slightly below the optimal range, which may affect your blood's ability to clot efficiently. While this is not severely low, it could contribute to easier bruising or slightly prolonged bleeding from minor cuts and may warrant closer monitoring.
Recommended actions
Ensure adequate vitamin K intake through leafy greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli
Discuss with your doctor whether any medications you take may be affecting clotting
Avoid aspirin and NSAIDs unless prescribed, as they can further affect clotting
Consider retesting in 2-3 months and consult a hematologist if levels remain low