PT (prothrombin time; pro-time) – PT testing measures the amount of time it takes for blood to clot. When the liver is damaged, its ability to make clotting factors is impaired. If this time increases – referred to as a prolonged PT interval – it shows that the liver is not working so well.
Glossary
Selected words and phrases
HIV PCR DNA test – a test that looks for HIV DNA (called integrated HIV) in blood. This is similar to viral load test which usually test for HIV RNA.
oesophagus – part of the gut between the throat and the stomach.
HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus
PCP – pneumocystis jiroveci (new) or pneumocystis carinii (old). A fungal infection that causes pneumonia.