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They are not typically used to screen for or help diagnose vitamin K deficiencies because a lack of vitamin K is usually discovered when unexpected or excessive bleeding or easy bruising occurs. If the bleeding is resolved and the PT/INR results return to normal, then a vitamin K deficiency is assumed to be the caus.
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For more on this, see the article on Vitamin K Deficienc.
Description
It is also believed to play a role in preventing bone loss. Often the first test recommended for patients with such symptoms is a combination PT & PTT Blood Test, which measures how long it takes for the blood to form a clot. If a prolonged result is the outcome and a vitamin K deficiency is suspected, treatment typically involves injections or supplements of the vitamin.
If this resolves the unexpected bleeding and the next test is normal, vitamin K deficiency is assumed to have been the cause.
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This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.