CBC w/PT and PTT - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

PaNik5717 · 09-24-2003, 03:40 PM

I just called to ask for a blood test. I have been losing a lot of blood and want to know if I am becoming severely anemic. The doctor that is trying to control my bleeding is two hours away and can't monitor me very well, so I have to be more vigilant and keep track of myself.

When I went in, the local doc had ordered PT and PTT tests in addition to the CBC. Does anyone know what these tests look for?

NMc · 09-24-2003, 04:32 PM

Hi Panik:
Prothrombin (PTT) refers to a clotting factor - or amount of protein in the blood and how easily your blood clots. Not sure about the PT, maybe platelet count?

mlgable · 09-24-2003, 09:02 PM

Actually the PT and PTT are the prothromin test to check how your blood is clotting. Most of the time now the test is called and INR but any of these three abbreviations mean prothrobin time.

PaNik5717 · 09-25-2003, 04:40 PM

Thanks for the replies. I guess the thought was that my blood may not clot fast enough and that could be why I am bleeding. Good lead, but it isn't the case. My times were normal, but my hemoglobin is low...