![]() ![]() It is typically between 2.0 and 3.0 for basic blood-thinning needs, though the range may vary based on a patient’s specific conditions. An INR target range is set by a health care provider. How often an INR test meter is used to monitor warfarin, and the results a patient should expect, will be based on recommendations from the patient’s health care provider. INR test meters may be prescribed to patients for use in the home, and they may also be used by health care providers at the point of care, such as a health care setting. It can be monitored by drawing blood from a vein and sending the blood to an accredited laboratory to test, or it can be monitored by testing blood from a fingerstick with an INR test meter outside of a laboratory. If the dose of warfarin is too high, the patient may be at risk of serious bleeding. If the dose of warfarin is too low, the patient is at risk of developing harmful blood clots. Achieving the correct warfarin dosage can be difficult but is extremely important. Warfarin must be monitored to ensure it is working effectively and being used safely. The dose may also need to be adjusted based on a patient’s diet and current medications. Warfarin therapy may be prescribed for patients with certain types of irregular heartbeat, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and patients who have certain medical device implants such as artificial heart valves.Ī patient’s warfarin dose depends on many factors, including the patient’s age, overall health and genetic makeup. Warfarin (also known by the brand names Coumadin and Jantoven) is a blood thinner prescribed to prevent and treat blood clots. The FDA wants to ensure patients and health care providers use these devices safely. INR test meters and test strips are medical devices regulated by the U.S. The INR is used by patients and physicians to determine if warfarin dosing is appropriate. The meter reads the test strip, measures how long it takes the blood to clot, and provides the result based on a standardized calculation in the form of the International Normalized Ratio, or INR. A test strip is inserted into the meter, and then a lancet (a medical pricking needle) is used to obtain blood which is applied to the test strip. The meter has a screen that displays results, and an opening for meter-specific test strips. This is so you can have an INR tested or your dose of warfarin changed if needed.An INR test meter is a portable, battery-operated meter, used to monitor patient response to warfarin. It is important to tell your provider about any of the changes below. There are some things that may change your INR. Call your health care provider if you can't make a visit so you can reschedule. It is very important to have your blood drawn when you are told to. If your dose changes you may need to have your INR tested more often. When your INR and warfarin dose are stable, blood tests are often done every 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes longer. When you first start warfarin, you may need to have blood tests every few days or weekly. This keeps you safe from bleeding and making clots. Blood tests are done so your provider will know if you are taking the right dose. This is why your blood needs to be tested often. If your INR is below your range, you may be at a higher risk for making a blood clot.If your INR is above your range, you may be at a higher risk for bleeding.If your INR stays within your range, your chance of bleeding or getting a clot is small.Keeping your blood from clotting is a delicate process that is watched closely by your provider. Your provider may also report your prothrombin time, which is also called protime (PT). This blood test is called an International Normalized Ratio (INR). To find out how fast your blood clots, a small amount of your blood will be tested. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |