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→Prothrombin Time
A prolonged PT may reflect a factor deficiency or the presence of a circulating inhibitor of coagulation. Repeating the test using a mix of test plasma and "normal" plasma can help differentiate these possibilities: PT returns to normal limits when normal plasma is added to factor-deficient plasma, but no change is seen when this is added to plasma containing inibitors<sup>3</sup>. PT is more sensitive than APTT for factor deficiencies.
A prolonged PT may reflect a factor deficiency or the presence of a circulating inhibitor of coagulation. Repeating the test using a mix of test plasma and "normal" plasma can help differentiate these possibilities: PT returns to normal limits when normal plasma is added to factor-deficient plasma, but no change is seen when this is added to plasma containing inibitors<sup>3</sup>. PT is more sensitive than APTT for factor deficiencies.
PT is affected by abnormalities or deficiencies in coagulation factors I, II, VII or X, for example in DIC, liver disease, or poisoning with vitamin K antagonists. Inherited defects are possible. PT is also prolonged by the presence of circulating anticoagulants. As factor VII has the shortest half-life of all the coagulation factors, if a patient is suffering a coagulation factor deficiency a prolonged PT is seen before a prolonged PTT as this factor is depleted most rapidly. Inhibitors are often directed at factor X or thrombin and include fibrin degradation products and heparin<sup>3</sup>.
PT is affected by abnormalities or deficiencies in coagulation factors I, II, VII or X, for example in DIC, liver disease, endotoxaemia or poisoning with vitamin K antagonists. Inherited defects are possible. PT is also prolonged by the presence of circulating anticoagulants. Inhibitors are often directed at factor X or thrombin and include fibrin degradation products and heparin<sup>3</sup>. As factor VII has the shortest half-life of all the coagulation factors, if a patient is suffering a coagulation factor deficiency a prolonged PT is seen before a prolonged PTT as this factor is depleted most rapidly.
===Tests for Individual Clotting Factors===
===Tests for Individual Clotting Factors===