How to Answer: Why would a prothrombin time be ordered?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Phlebotomist job interview.
25. Why would a prothrombin time be ordered?
How to Answer
Prothrombin is a protein present in blood plasma that is converted into active thrombin during coagulation. A PT, or prothrombin time/pro-time test measures the number of seconds it takes for a clot to form in a person's blood sample after reagents are added. The interviewer is looking for clues that you understand the reasons for ordering specific tests. Share your knowledge.
Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021
Entry Level
"A PT test, or prothrombin test, tells us if a patient's blood is clotting too fast or too slow."
Written by Darby Faubion
Answer Example
"A prothrombin time may be ordered to see how long it takes for a person's blood to clot. This can help diagnose clotting and bleeding disorders and can also help in monitoring whether anticoagulant therapy is within the therapeutic range."
Written by Heather Douglass on June 7th, 2021
Experienced
"A prothrombin test, often called a PT or pro-time test, is performed to measure how quickly prothrombin is converted into active thrombin which produces the effect of blood clotting. This test is important to determine the risk of embolism and is used to determine therapeutic ranges of anticoagulants, such as Coumadin."
Written by Darby Faubion