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The INR test is one of the parameters assessed during the coagulation test. It facilitates the diagnosis of the cause of coagulation disorders. It is also used to assess liver function, as well as in the case of vitamin K deficiency.
The Prothrombin Time (PT) test measures how long it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. INR (International Normalized Ratio) is a type of calculation based on the results of the PT test.
Prothrombin is a protein produced by the liver. It is one of several substances called clotting (clotting) factors. When you get an cut or other injury that causes bleeding, the clotting factors work together to form a blood clot. Too low levels of clotting factors can cause excessive bleeding after an injury. Levels that are too high can cause dangerous clots in arteries or veins.
The PT / INR test helps determine if your blood is clotting normally. It also checks that the anti-clot drug is working as it should.
- Also read: What do blood clots in my urine show?
The INR test is mainly used for blood clotting disorders. Moreover, the test is performed when the patient is taking medications that are vitamin antagonists. K, and also:
- in case of excessive bleeding (nose, menstrual),
- before the scheduled surgery,
- in case of problems with the functioning of the liver.
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The INR test is quite often performed in conjunction with the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test. The PTT test also checks for clotting problems.
- See also: Heavy and painful periods may be a sign of a serious illness
INR test – indications
If you are not taking warfarin and you are experiencing disturbing bleeding symptoms or a bleeding disorder, you should have an INR test. What symptoms should you be concerned about?
Disturbing bleeding:
- unexplained heavy bleeding
- easily formed bruises,
- severe nosebleeds
- very heavy periods in women.
Symptoms of a bleeding disorder:
- leg pain or tenderness
- swelling of the legs
- redness or red streaks on the legs,
- breathing problems,
- cough,
- pain in the chest,
- fast heartbeat.
Read: Thanks to ticks, we know more about blood clotting
The test material is blood taken from a vein in the arm. Blood should be drawn on an empty stomach. Avoid overexertion and stress before the examination. For patients taking oral anticoagulants: draw blood in the morning before taking the next dose.
Factors that may affect the test result: lipemia, high bilirubin, haemolysis, oral anticoagulants, unfractionated heparin, hirudin.
INR testing at home
There is a method that allows you to perform the INR test at home. If you want to be able to perform the test at any time, you need to invest in a special apparatus. From the outside, it looks a bit like a blood glucose meter. This test involves taking a blood sample from your finger. It is confusingly similar to the glucose test.
If you want to choose the right device that will allow you to take measurements in the comfort of your home, it is best to choose one that allows you to use separately wrapped straps. If you still do not know which one to choose, ask your specialist dealer for help.
It will certainly tell you what to choose a specific camera that will facilitate the measurements. You just need to prick your finger and take a blood sample from it on a special test strip. After a few moments, the result will appear and it will be remembered automatically, which makes it much easier.
INR test – standards
Normal INR results in untreated patients should range from 0,8 to 1,2. In people with venous thromboembolism, with atrial fibrillation, with heart valve defects and taking anticoagulants, the INR should be 2-3. If the result is below normal, it may mean that you are taking high doses of heparin.
Treatment with penicillin or streptokinase may also reduce this index. Also, consuming a lot of ginseng may interfere with the test result. If the INR is too low, there is a risk of thrombosis. If the INR is above 5, it may mean that the patient has overdosed on anticoagulants and is at risk of, inter alia, haemorrhage.