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Dangerous Protime Levels

The prothrombin time (protime) test measures clotting of liquid/plasma in blood. If clotting factors are lacking or malfunctioning, protime will exceed the normal 11- to 13.5-seconds range (results vary by lab), says the National Institutes of Health. Protimes longer than 30 seconds are dangerous, according to Van Cott and Laposata of Massachusetts General Hospital.

  1. Risks of High Protime Levels

    • Excessive bleeding and hematoma--bleeding under the skin--are serious risks of high protimes, says the NIH.

    Blood Thinners Can Delay Protime

    • The Heart Surgery Forum says patients taking blood-thinners such as warfarin will have protimes of 18 to 20 seconds and should be tested regularly.

    Concerning Reasons for Delay

    • High protimes may indicate conditions such as bile duct obstruction, cirrhosis, hepatitis and liver disease, notes the NIH. These "acquired causes" are more common than hereditary clotting factor deficiencies, say Van Cott and Laposata.

    Vitamin K to Normalize Protime

    • Vitamin K shots can help the body produce clotting factors, according to the Physicians' Desktop Reference.

    Other Routes of Diagnosis

    • If Vitamin K doesn't work, Van Cott and Laposata say mixing studies can determine the root of high protimes and, therefore, treatment pathways.

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