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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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If the bleeding is resolved and the PT/INR results return to normal, then a vitamin K deficiency is assumed to be the cause.
Description
There are different forms of vitamin K; K1 is the natural form present in foods such as green vegetables, dairy products, breakfast cereals, vegetable oils and soybeans.
A diet with appropriate amounts of vitamin K is important because the body is not able to produce an adequate amount on its own. The average American diet supplies a sufficient level, but conditions such as obstructive liver disease, obstructive icterus and malabsorption (often a result of Celiac disease, pancreatitis, diarrhea and antibiotic abuse) can lead to a deficiency. Vitamin K deficiency can result in excessive bleeding and bruising.
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. Deficient vitamin K levels can lead to:
Osteoporosis/Weak bones
Bleeding/Thin blood that doesn’t clot well
Easily bruising and mucosal bleeding
Vitamin K deficiency can be more prevalent in people who:.
Ordering Recommendation
To convert concentration to nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), multiply the result by 0.45. 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.