Articles on Medical Diseases and Conditions

Entries Tagged ‘Prothrombin time’

Prothrombin Time (PT)

In certain situations the prothrombin time can be a useful liver test. The liver synthesizes prothrombin but needs vitamin K to do so. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is present in most adequate diets and is also synthesized by intestinal bacteria; in either case, it is absorbed from the small bowel in combination […]

Basic Tests in Hemorrhagic Disorders

History. A history of easy bleeding or easy bruising should lead to further investigation. Platelet count. Platelet disorders will be discussed later. Using the direct count (reference values 150,000-400,000/mm3; 150-400 x 109/L), a platelet count less than 100,000/mm3 indicates moderate thrombocytopenia, and one less than 50,000/mm3 indicates severe thrombocytopenia. Platelet number can be estimated with […]