what are inr
INR (international normalized ratio) tests are important in helping your healthcare provider determine your response to COUMADIN. INR tests check to see how fast your blood clots. The INR test is primarily used to monitor warfarin therapy, where the aim is to maintain an INR in target range. Your healthcare provider will decide what INR numbers are best for you and may adjust your dose of COUMADIN to keep your INR in your target range.
A blood test is needed to determine the effect of warfarin for each person and this is measured as the International Normalised Ratio or INR. The INR is a measure of how long it takes for blood to clot. The INR for a person not taking warfarin is 1. The higher the INR, the longer it takes for blood to clot. The desired INR for you will depend on the reason for which you are taking warfarin. Your doctors will try and keep your INR within a range â called the target INR range.