Does low prothrombin level mean progressing liver disease?

[kittyface]

My recent CBC showed prothrombin level (PT) is low (1 in a reference range of 2-3).  Previous test in 2004 showed normal level.  I understand that this means blood clots too slowly and is sometimes caused by liver disease.  Last time I checked in 2004 (FibroSpect blood test) I had mild damage and now I'm wondering if low PT level means damage is progressing.   Does anybody have experience with this?  I haven't had biopsy yet -- can they do one if the PT level is low?

Thanks for your comments,

Kittyface

[tulips27]

hi mine is the same as yours...my doctor never mentioned anything though...next visit I will ask him.
I havent had a problem though..I had bx 9 weeks ago and no one mentioned anything no I assume it was okay.

[copyman]

you are referring to the Prothrombin Time "INR" result, this applies to patients on anticoagulant therapy. mine is 1.0 and flagged as low but this does not apply to us.  there should be another result for regular Pro time usually below the INR with the normal range from 8.7-11.5 (all labs use different ranges). relax you have nothing to worry about with that 1.0, i can assure you of that.

[kittyface]

you are so right -- there is another PT number and it's in normal range.   i'll go find something else to stress out about  :)  

Thanks!

[copyman]

glad to help, you are sure right about stressing about something else. there is no shortage of things to stress about with this disease. it seems like one thing after another. i get a hang nail and i think it is related to my liver :-)