Hi, I just had some pre-op blood tests. One of the tests measured clotting time, which came back slower than normal. The nurse wants to repeat it because I took advil I week ago. All other blood work was normal. Could advil cause this and how long before it returns to normal? Any info appreciated. Thanks

Hi leighsa -- I'm no professional, but I've been told that the INR (clotting time) reflects what you've taken three days previous. Ibuprofen does thin the blood but it doesn't seem to me like it should have had much of an effect a week later. There are other factors that can affect the INR, though, such as what foods you eat -- obviously it won't hurt to rerun the test.

Best of luck to you!

Janet

Thanks for the response. I'm going to repeat the test on Monday, 1 week later. Do you know what other tests will be given, if any, if the clotting time is still slow? Thanks again

No idea -- how did your tests go?

Well the repeat test was still slower, although better. I was referred to a hematologist who thinks it is due to vitamin K deficiency due to a long course of antibiotics. He gave me a shot of vitamin K and a weeks worth of pills. He is also testing me for a factor VII defect just in case. I go back to him on Monday for a check of the clotting time. I'm scheduled for surgery on 11/26, so my surgeon wants my clotting time fixed before that. Does anyone know how fast the Vitamin K improves the clotting time? Thanks