What happens when I get my INR test results?

When you are given your INR test results the doctor will discuss with you whether your Warfarin dose will stay the same or needs to be adjusted. The doctor’s aim is to try and maintain your blood clotting time within your Therapeutic Range so that you will neither be at risk of clotting or bleeding.  If the blood test shows that your INR has gone above or below the desired range the doctor will have to decide on the appropriate course of action to bring it back to a safe level.

If your INR is only slightly higher or lower than it should be you may be kept on the same dose of Warfarin but have more frequent blood tests to closely monitor you INR.

Where there is a significant increase or decrease in your INR test results it is likely that your Warfarin dosage will be adjusted in an attempt to bring you back within your Therapeutic Range.

If your INR is really low and there is a risk of blood clots forming you may be given ‘blood thinning’ injections such as Heparin to quickly bring your INR back to a safe level. This would be in addition to your Warfarin dose being increased.

In the extreme situation of your INR being so high that you are at risk of bleeding your Warfarin will be stopped immediately. You may also be given Vitamin K, either orally or by injection, to swiftly reduce your INR. Vitamin K is used to reverse the effect of Warfarin in your system.