Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, or pneumococcus, can cause many types of illnesses. Some of these illnesses can be life-threatening. Pneumococcus is the most common cause of bloodstream infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and middle ear infections in young children.You have probably heard of pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by many different bacteria, viruses, and even fungi.Pneumococcus is one of the most common causes of severe pneumonia. Besides pneumonia, pneumococcus can cause other types of infections too, such as:1  Ear infections. 2  Sinus infections.neumonia can be caused by many different bacteria, viruses, and even fungi. Pneumococcus is one of the most common causes of severe pneumonia. Besides pneumonia, pneumococcus can cause other types of infections too, such as: 1  Ear infections. 2  Sinus infections.
Earlier I mentioned that the traditional way to run a PT-INR test is to have your blood drawn and sent to a lab, where the test is conducted. Another option for obtaining an INR is to use a point-of-care device, also known as a fingerstick testing device.
PT and APTT: The PT, INR, and Activated Partial. Thromboplastin Time (APTT) tests are common coagula-. tion laboratory tests used to assess the clotting ability of. blood. The PT/INR test evaluates the extrinsic and com-. mon pathways of the coagulation cascade, while the APTT. test evaluates the intrinsic and common pathways. Using. both tests examines the integrated function of the coagula-. tion factors. INR: Differences in thromboplastin reagents have caused.