Blood clotting is the body’s natural defence mechanism that prevents excessive bleeding when an injury occurs. However, clots may appear sometimes without an apparent injury, but due to underlying health conditions.
INR self-testing is a method that enables individuals with specific conditions who are receiving treatment to monitor their blood clotting, also known as coagulation, independently without needing to visit a clinic or hospital.
This blog explores what INR self-testing involves, its benefits, how to perform it safely at home, and provides practical tips for both patients and caregivers.
Tip: Learn how to Treat an Infected Wound at Home in Easy Steps
What Causes Blood Clotting Besides Vessel Injury?
While clots that form around an injured vessel to prevent excessive bleeding dissolve naturally over time, they can also appear abnormally inside the body (in veins, vessels, or arteries) due to other causes and incur worse health risks.
Suppose such a clot travels via the bloodstream and reaches the lungs, heart, or brain. In that case, it can result in pulmonary embolism, a heart attack, or a stroke, respectively, all potentially life-threatening conditions.
Many factors can contribute to unnatural clotting, such as:
- Pregnancy or Oral Contraceptives
- Obesity
- Prolonged Immobility
- Smoking
- Certain cancers and Surgeries
- Trauma
- Diabetes and Ageing
- High blood pressure and Cholesterol.
- History of deep vein thrombosis or clots in the arteries.
Individuals who develop blood clots due to the conditions above typically undergo anticoagulant treatment with specific medication and begin monitoring their blood clotting through INR self-testing at home, in addition to other exams.
What Is INR Self Testing?
An INR self-test is a small, portable device that uses a single drop of your blood to measure how long it takes for it to clot.
The acronym INR stands for International Normalised Ratio, which refers to that measurement precisely. Patients taking anticoagulants such as warfarin need to keep their INR within a specific therapeutic range, and INR self-testing helps them monitor this ratio.
Similar to using a glucose meter if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it, an INR self-test allows you to measure your blood clotting levels at home with a small, portable device.
What Are The Benefits of INR Self-Testing at Home?
So, why opt for this blood-clotting monitoring method instead of visiting a hospital or your doctor’s office?
Here are the most significant benefits of INR self-tests:
- They offer convenience – you avoid repeated clinic visits since you can check your levels from the comfort of your own sofa easily.
- They provide faster results – it only takes a few minutes to see the results on the device, and get a clear picture of your blood clotting condition.
- They eliminate the risk of complications – by regularly checking your levels, you lower the risk of sudden clotting or bleeding. You can promptly ask for medical assistance if unnatural readings appear.
- They enhance patient empowerment – with INR self-testing, both patients and caregivers gain more control over managing anticoagulant therapy and take charge of their well-being.
Tip: Learn all you need to know about home oxygen therapy!
5 Tips for Patients and Caregivers
So, how can patients and caregivers make the most of INR self-testing at home? Below, we present some helpful tips for using the INR self-tests effectively.
1. Receive Proper Training
Don’t try to carry out an INR self-test without first receiving proper guidance from your doctor. Training ensures you know how to prepare, handle the device, and interpret readings.
2. Maintain Device Hygiene
Always clean the INR self-test device after each use and store it in a dry, safe place. Every time you want to measure your levels, use a fresh lancet and testing strip, and dispose of them with caution after the result appears on the screen.
3. Record the Results
While many devices have digital storage, it is advisable to keep a log of your INR self-test results separately and in hard copy. This way, you can better monitor your progress and inform your doctor about it regularly.
4. Stick to a Routine
Perform your INR self-testing at the same time of day to improve the reliability of the results and reduce potential errors. Consistency is the key.
5. Seek Medical Advice if Needed
Consult your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any unusual metrics or symptoms, such as unexplained bruising or bleeding. Repeat the INR self-test if necessary and do not ignore any threatening signs.
How To Perform An INR Self-test Safely and Properly
Below you’ll find the basic steps to use your INR self-test meter the right way and with safety:
- Get your device, the code chip, a fresh test strip and a lancet.
- Insert the code chip into the device. Use one for every new box of test strips.
- Wash, dry and sanitise your hands and fingers thoroughly.
- Place a fresh test strip into the meter.
- Prick your finger with the lancet to get an adequate drop of blood.
- Apply the blood drop to the test strip (don’t squeeze your finger for more blood, as this can affect the results).
- Read the results.
- Clean and store your device, then log the readings.
- Share your metrics with your clinician if necessary.
The INR self-testing is over and has been efficiently completed, provided that you followed the above guide.
Final Thoughts
Similar to glucometers, INR self-testing kits help you measure your blood clotting levels from the comfort of your home.
Performing an INR self-test without having to visit the hospital or the doctor’s office can significantly improve your independence and enhance your condition’s management while assisting your doctor and reducing unnecessary expenses and time loss.
Regardless of whether you’re a patient or a caregiver, in Advanced Healthcare, you can find the most reliable INR self-test device and disposables to effectively and efficiently take charge of your well-being.
FAQs About INR Self Testing
1. How Accurate Is INR Self Testing At Home?
Highly reliable enough when performed correctly. If you follow the instructions provided meticulously, you will obtain accurate results comparable to those from professional laboratories.
2. Can All Patients On Warfarin Use INR Self Testing?
Not always. The use of INR self-tests will depend on various factors. For instance, they may not be suitable for very young children, some categories of elderly patients, or patients with certain medical conditions. Whatever the case, consult your doctor to recommend if INR self-testing is right for you.
3. How Often Should I Carry Out An INR Self Test?
Weekly testing is the general rule. However, the frequency varies depending on your condition and treatment plan. Once again, your clinician will define it and suggest any needed adjustments over time.
