The prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio are ways of measuring of the extrinsic system in the coagulation pathway - factors II, V,VII and X
Thromboplastin and plasma are mixed at 37 degrees C. and the time taken for a clot to form after the addition of calcium is measured; this is the prothrombin time.
The time to clot is compared to a control - this is the international normalised ratio (INR). The normal range of the INR is 0.9-1.2.
Conditions which cause a prolongation of the prothrombin time include:
Reference
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