Home monitoring of anticoagulation

J Thromb Thrombolysis. 2003 Aug-Oct;16(1-2):39-42. doi: 10.1023/B:THRO.0000014591.32012.1f.

Abstract

Small portable devices that generate a prothrombin time/INR from fingerstick capillary blood simplify warfarin management by allowing selected patients to monitor and manage their own warfarin dose. Early studies established that patients can self-test at home, with results as accurate as those obtained by practitioners. Point-of-care testing of elderly patients resulted in tighter INR control and a lower incidence of major hemorrhage, especially at the initiation of anticoagulant therapy. Patients can also successfully self-manage warfarin therapy. Larger, prospective, randomized intervention studies have shown that patient self-management led to greater time spent within the therapeutic INR range. However, a shift toward patient self-testing will likely require centralized implementation of patient education, training, and follow up that will need to be established in the clinic setting or by a third party.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Home Care Services* / standards
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / standards
  • Self Care / methods
  • Self Care / standards

Substances

  • Anticoagulants