A PT/INR home monitoring system is the easiest way of measuring your PT/INR level at home. PT or the Prothrombin time is a test which is generally done to identify and manage bleeding disorders. A protein produced by your liver called “Prothrombin”, which is present in blood plasma, is converted into active thrombin during coagulation. INR or the international normalized ratio is a ratio or a calculation from PT results which is used to monitor how well the blood thinning medication WARFARIN (COUMADIN) is working to prevent blood from clotting. The PT time can be longer by using blood thinning medication such as WARFARIN. Patients who are on WARFARIN may have a Mechanical Heart Valve or were diagnosed with diseases such as , Atrial Fibrillation, Venous Thromboembolism, Pulmonary Embolism or Hyper coagulable State and are required to monitor their PT/INR levels on a regular basis. This can easily be done with a PATIENT SELF TESTING KIT at home with a drop of blood from your finger stick and you can know your INR result in seconds.
The PATIENT SELF TESTING KIT has been scientifically tested for its accuracy and utility . Patients can feel certain they are getting accurate INR values through a Home PT/INR monitor program. Results of INR values both obtained in the laboratory and done with a PT/INR meter were compared. The comparison showed no major differences in the INR values of either. Thus, the patients and the investigators were confident in using PT/INR SELF TESTING at home. It proved to be the best alternative to hospitals or laboratories.
You can also have a look at our other blogs :
- RELEVANT GUIDELINES FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE ON WARFARIN [COUMADIN]
- PATIENT SELF TESTING – INSURANCE & MEDICARE GUIDELINES
- WHY A HOME PT/INR MACHINE?
- What is PT/INR Test and Why it’s Beneficial
KNOWING ABOUT DANGEROUS BLOOD CLOTS
If blood becomes thick there is a chance of the formation of dangerous blood clots in both arteries and veins. The arteries supply oxygenated blood from the heart to different parts of the body and the veins move away the impure blood from different organs in our bodies. When the formation of a blood clot takes place in the veins it causes blockage in the path of blood flow. This can lead to a stroke. Therefore it is often advised for people who are affected by blood clots to be in regular contact with their doctor for the best treatment plan.
MANAGEMENT OF DOSAGE OF WARFARIN (COUMADIN)
WARFARIN (COUMADIN) is an anticoagulant drug which is usually given for thinning blood. It’s dosage is managed by your doctor or health care provider on the basis of PT/INR test results. WARFARIN must always be taken as prescribed. Prior to making any changes, please consult your doctor.
Patients on WARFARIN must agree to take regular blood tests. This can now be easily done through PATIENT SELF TESTING KIT at home. The safety and effectiveness of WARFARIN is dependent on maintaining the INR within the prescribed range.
Things that can affect WARFARIN dose requirements include-
- DRUGS– If any new medication has been taken or any old medication has been stopped.
- DIET– Any kind of changes in diet plan which may occur due to fasting or weight loss management.
- DOSAGES– The most recent WARFARIN dose must be confirmed and any missed dose should not be repeated.
- DISEASE– Any kind of recent illness, fever, pain or stress.
- EXERCISE – Yes, change in your exercise routine may affect your INR value