Test Code PTINR PROTIME
Additional Codes
PROTIME
PT.
PTINR
LHW also offers fingerstick Protimes for all patients except those on Lovenox.
Methodology
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Coagucheck Hand-held Analyzer
Specimen Requirements
Plasma
Container/Tube: Blue top tube (buffered sodium citrate)
Specimen Volume: Full Tube to appropriate line
Collection:
- PT specimens from patients should be centrifuged (centrifuge specimens for 10 min at 3500 rpm) or un-centrifuged with plasma remaining on top of cells in an unopened tube. Store at ROOM TEMPERATURE (18-24 Celsius) for no longer than 24 hours.
 - If testing cannot be performed within 24 hours, centrifuge and aliquot plasma into plastic vial. Freeze (-20 Celsius) for up to 3 months.
 - Properly label tube with patients name, DOB, requisition number and if plasma has been separated; type of tube sample drawn from, i.e. BLUE.
 
Specimen Rejection
- Clotted
 - Hemolyzed
 - Exceed stability requirements
 - Under or over filled tube
 - Unlabeled specimen
 - Age of specimen greater than 24 hours
 - Refrigerated
 
Maximum Laboratory Time
24 hours
Specimen Transport/Stability
Room Temp - (18-24 Celsius) 24 hours
Frozen - (-20 Celsius) 14 days if platelet poor plasma has been separated from cells
Frozen - (-70 Celsius) 12 months if platelet poor plasma has been separated from cells
Test Classification and CPT Coding
85610
Reference Ranges
| PT | sec | 
| 11.9 - 13.9 | |
| INR | INR | 
| Usual Therapeutic Range | 2.0 - 3.0 | 
| INR | INR | 
| 
 Range for recurrent systemic emboli and mechanical prosthetic values  | 
3.0 - 4.0 | 
COAGUCHECK users: If INR result is greater than 4.5, draw a blue top tube.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Daily