Coumadin Clinic - Testing Procedures - Marquette General Health System Regional Medical Center

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Coumadin Clinic


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Clinic Procedures -

We started anticoagulation clinics (ACs) to improve the management of our patients’ warfarin (Coumadin®) therapy.

Before ACs, the normal routine for warfarin patient-care included:
1. A venipuncture at a lab visit
2. Waiting for results and dose changes to be phoned to patients at a later date
3. Little face to face interaction regarding warfarin therapy

An AC manages warfarin in a simple, more convenient way:
1. A finger-prick gives lab results within two minutes
2. Dose changes are given to patients immediately
3. Test results, dose changes, and warfarin education are all completed in short visits

Doctors monitor their patients on warfarin through a blood test called an International Normalized Ratio (INR). The INR value should be within a goal range to prevent the body from forming blood clots.

At the U.P. Anticoagulation Clinic we use a machine called the Roche CoaguChek S point-of-care analyzer to check the INR value.

A fingerstick blood sample is required. The INR results are reported within one to two minutes. These results are reviewed immediately with the patient and documented in their medical record.

Patients are asked the following questions regarding their warfarin, since these factors can influence their INR results:

1. Current dose
2. If they missed any doses
3. If they have experienced any bleeding or clotting symptoms since their last appointment
4. If they are taking any new medicines (including over-the-counter or herbal)
5. If they have had any changes in their diet
6. How their general health status has been

The warfarin dose is adjusted, if necessary, according to the lab value. Patients are given a handout with their correct dose of warfarin, their next appointment date, and any other necessary instructions prior to their leaving the clinic.

To make sure the medicine is maintaining the INR in the goal range, INR testing is done at a minimum of every four weeks. It is tested more frequently if it is out of the goal range. It is very important to keep your appointments for your INR testing to prevent bleeding or clotting complications.

Patient Rooms Direct Dialing - (906) 225-3(Room#).
Room #'s: 233-245, 374-390, 501-527, & 601-827

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The Many Caring Hands of Marquette General Hospital
(906) 228-9440
Marquette General Health System - 580 W. College Ave. - Marquette, MI 49855

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