Prothrombin Time: What Affects The Test
Content provided by Healthwise
What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- Taking medicines that can affect the action of blood thinners (such as warfarin) and vitamin K. These include antibiotics, aspirin, cimetidine (Tagamet), barbiturates, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and vitamin K supplements.
- Having severe diarrhea or vomiting that causes fluid loss and dehydration. This may make the PT time longer. If diarrhea is caused by poor absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the intestinal tract (malabsorption syndrome), the PT may be longer because of a lack of vitamin K.
- Eating foods that have vitamin K, such as beef liver, pork liver, green tea, broccoli, chickpeas, kale, turnip greens, and soybean products.
- Drinking a lot of alcohol.
- Taking laxatives.
- Taking some herbal products or natural remedies.
| Last updated: | September 25, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine, Joseph O'Donnell, MD - Hematology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
