Prothrombin Time (PT) and Serum Albumin

  1. PT depends on the hepatic synthesis of the Vitamin-K-dependent factors: II, VII, IX and X

  2. Elevation in PT may be a sign of hepatic insufficiency (usually advanced and chronic) or a deficiency of vitamin K (in the absence of anticoagulant therapy or disseminated intravascular coagulopathy--DIC)

  3. Challenge with IV or IM vitamin K: correction of PT within 24-48 hr indicates vitamin deficiency

  4. Albumin is also synthesized in the liver: hepatic insufficiency causes decreased serum albumin
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Last modified: 1/31/97; Author: J. Harrison