A prothrombin time (PT) test measures how many seconds it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. Since the results of this test can vary with different labs or test methods, your results may be used to create an INR (international normalized ratio). Using this ratio makes it easier for health care providers to compare and better understand results from different labs or test methods.

Prothrombin is a protein made by the liver. It is one of several substances known as clotting (coagulation) factors. When you get a cut or other injury that causes bleeding, your clotting factors work together to form a blood clot. Blood clotting is an important process that prevents you from losing too much blood when you are injured. Clotting factor levels that are too low can cause you to bleed too much after an injury. Levels that are too high can cause dangerous clots to form in your arteries or veins.

A PT/INR test helps find out if your blood is clotting normally. It also checks to see if a medicine that prevents blood clots is working the way it should.

Other names: prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, PT, pro time