PT, Prothrombin Time with INR

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Test Code

PTINR

Alias/See Also

8847;
INR Protime
Protime w/INR
Pro-time with INR
PT
PT c INR
PT w/ INR
PT-INR

CPT Codes
85610

Preferred Specimen

1 plastic (2.7mL) completely filled 3.2% Sodium Citrate whole blood (light blue top) tube

Instructions

Use standard venipuncture and disposal techniques.

Collect the required quantity of Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes.

Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube: Completely filled tube with intact stopper must remain at room temperature and are stable only 24 hours.

*If testing cannot be performed within 24 hours then Sodium Citrate light blue top must be centrifuged. Sodium Citrate plasma must be removed then aliquoted into a plastic pour off tube and placed in a <−20 degrees C freezer.

Transport Container

Whole blood Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube(s)

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature: Whole blood Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube(s)
Refrigerated: Unacceptable for Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes whole blood

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature: Whole blood Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tube(s) <24 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable for Sodium Citrate (light blue top) tubes whole blood or capped plasma aliquots
Frozen: Capped aliquots of Sodium Citrate plasma (Polypropylene tubes recommended) <14 days at <−20 degrees C
<6 months at <−70 degrees C

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Rejected for hemolysis, clotted, improper fill, incorrect specimen type, thawed frozen aliquots, refrigerated plasma or blood, expired test tubes, >24 hours old if not processed into separated frozen plasma vials.

Methodology
Mechanical Clot Detection

Setup Schedule

Daily
HE

Clinical Significance

Screening test useful in those patients with high risk to predict post op hemorrhage. The Prothrombin time (PT) in conjunction with the INR is used to monitor oral anticoagulants coumadin™ and warfarin. Additional uses for PT testing in patients where acquired multiple deficiencies may be suspected. Such disorders may include DIC, liver disease, renal disease and severe malabsorption.

Performing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439

Last Updated: December 7, 2021

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.