Question

Which of the following actions would be appropriate for the investigation of an initially prolonged PT test? (Choose all that apply)

More than one answer is correct. Please select all correct answers

	Check for clots in the sample
	Check patient history
	Check for anticoagulant therapy
	Immediately cancel the test and request a new sampl

Answer 1

the correct options are:

Check for clots in the sample

Check patient history

Check for anticoagulant therapy

some of the common causes for the prolonged PT are the use of anticoagulants (heparin), deficiency of vitamin K, or liver disease. other factors that are responsible include deficiencies of a coagulation factor, coagulation factor inhibitors or may be due to diffuse intravascular coagulation.

Therefore if we have to determine the cause of prolongation of PT the first step obvious will be to check the integrity of the samle, next we can check history of liver disease of the patient and also we need to ensure that the patient is not receiving any anticoagulant therapy. Thus it is always advisable to not to cancel the PT test without investigation carried for the cause of prolongation