PTINR.com
The Top 10 Variables Influencing INR Stability
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
PTINR.com Staff
Stabilizing warfarin remains the goal of patients and professionals. Patient self testing and point of care testing is primarily influenced by 10 variables.
A stable warfarin INR test result is the goal for the millions of patients on warfarin. PTINR.com begins a 10-part series to help patients understand why warfarin (Coumadin ®) blood tests don’t always come back where patients or clinicians think or hope they should be.
Each month an article will appear as a prominent feature: a different topic each month. The following topics will be addressed:
| 10 Variables that influence INR test results |
| Overall Health |
| Compliance |
| Dietary vitamin K |
| Over-the-counter meds |
| Prescription drugs |
| Dietary supplements |
| Testing frequency |
| Brand vs. generic warfarin |
| Stress |
| Testing methods |
Articles will highlight specific factors that increase or decrease a warfarin INR test result. Additionally, suggestions and techniques on how to overcome challenges will be presented. Our goal remains improving the safety of warfarin and increasing the value of warfarin for stroke prevention. Warfarin patient self testing and office based warfarin point of care tests are first, important steps to over-coming the top 10 variables.
May is National Stroke Awareness month. As part of QAS’ effort to reduce the incidence of stroke in United States we offer the next 10 months special featured articles, entitled: “Top 10 Variables” designed to increase patient time in target range.