A patient is stabilized on warfarin therapy and being monitored using the prothrombin time (PT) followed by calculation of the international normalized ratio (INR). The formula for calculating the INR is:
INR = (PTpatient/PTnormal)ISI (where ISI = international sensitivity index)
What is used for the PTnormal?
a. Arithmetic mean PT for the control
b. Geometric mean PT for the reference population
c. Arithmetic mean PT as found in a standard reference textbook
d. Geometric mean PT reported by the manufacturer of the PT reagent being used
ANS: B
The PTnormal is the geometric mean for the PT reference interval determined by the clinical laboratory scientists in the laboratory where the testing is being performed. Using the wrong value in this calculation has led to major reporting errors that have resulted in bad patient outcomes.
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Pressure techniques applied along the diaphragm guideline are used to:
A) Relieve anxiety or stress B) Address neck and shoulder tension C) Relieve respiratory congestion D) Improve large intestine function
________ a specific set of anatomically interconnected tissues, structures, and organs that operate together to perform a specific physiological function within the human body
Fill in the blank with correct word.