What if ptt is high

Your doctor might also use this test to monitor your condition when you take the blood thinner heparin. Make sure you tell your doctor about all the medications you take. You may need to stop taking them before the test. In rare cases, your vein may become swollen after a blood draw. This condition is known as phlebitis. Applying a warm compress several times a day can treat phlebitis. Ongoing bleeding could be a problem if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin or aspirin.

To perform the test, the phlebotomist or nurse takes a sample of blood from your arm. They clean the site with an alcohol swab and insert a needle into your vein. A tube attached to the needle collects the blood. After collecting enough blood, they remove the needle and cover the puncture site with a gauze pad.

The lab technician adds chemicals to this blood sample and measures the number of seconds it takes for the sample to clot. PTT test results are measured in seconds. Normal results are typically 25 to 35 seconds. This means that it took your blood sample 25 to 35 seconds to clot after adding the chemicals. The exact standards for normal results may vary depending on your doctor and lab, so ask your doctor if you have any concerns.

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Medical Tests. Definition Partial thromboplastin time PTT is a blood test that looks at how long it takes for blood to clot. How to Prepare for the Test Your health care provider may tell you to temporarily stop taking medicines that may affect the test results. How the Test will Feel When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain.

Why the Test is Performed You may need this test if you have problems with bleeding or your blood does not clot properly. Normal Results In general, clotting should occur within 25 to 35 seconds. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

Your PTT test results will show how much time it took for your blood to clot. Results are usually given as a number of seconds. If your results show that your blood took a longer-than-normal time to clot, it may mean you have:.

If you are taking heparin, your results can help show whether you are taking the right dose. You will probably be tested on a regular basis to make sure your dosage stays at the right level. If you are diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, talk to your health care provider. While there is no cure for most bleeding disorders, there are treatments available that can help manage your condition.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. A PTT test is often ordered along with another blood test called prothrombin time.

A prothrombin time test is another way to measure clotting ability. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. University of Rochester Medical Center. Prothrombin Time and INR. Reviewed January 18, Why vitamin K can be dangerous if you take warfarin. Published October 28, A comprehensive review of potential warfarin-fruit interactions. J Pharm Pract. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

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