Is it within the scope of practice for PTs or PTAs to perform the testing procedure for monitoring a patients PT/INR (prothrombin time/international normalized ratio)?
The test may be done via venupuncture or by obtaining a drop of capillary blood with an automated finger-prick. This drop is placed on a disposable test strip (a capillary tube may be used) that is placed in a unit that reads the results. Among its problems are that quite a steady hand is needed to deliver the blood to the exact spot and some patients find the finger-pricking difficult. In any in-patient setting, the nursing staff or laboratory personnel would be performing this test. In a home health setting, if there is a PT referral but no nursing referral for a patient, it is requested that PTs and PTAs perform the finger-stick test (not the venupuncture process). The PT/PTA calls in results to nurse/MD who then may adjust the medication. There is a training session for all appropriate agency personnel to learn the technique. The Physical Therapy Governing Board has reviewed the Physical Therapy Practice Act and finds that PT/INR testing is not within the scope of practice of physi
Related Questions
- Is it within the scope of practice for PTs or PTAs to perform the testing procedure for monitoring a patients PT/INR (prothrombin time/international normalized ratio)?
- Is it within the scope of practice for PTs or PTAs to perform the testing procedure for monitoring a patients PT/INR (prothrombin time/international normalized ratio)?
- What is the patients financial responsibility for home PT INR testing?
