Coagulation monitoring
Quality care for your patients taking vitamin K antagonists
Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) require close monitoring because of individual variations, drug-drug or food-drug interactions.1 Studies have shown that increasing a patient’s time in therapeutic range, as measured by their international normalized ratio (INR) value, maximizes the benefits of anticoagulation therapy and minimizes the risk of thromboembolic events.2-4 Therefore, keeping careful track of your patient's INR value to ensure it is in the optimal therapeutic range is critical.
Models of patient monitoring
Enhance efficiency for you and freedom for your patient
A variety of models exists for managing patients of VKA therapy. Learn more about the benefits of point of care and patient self-testing and how we can support you in selecting the right model for you and your patients.
Traditional or usual care
Performed by a conventional laboratory. Results can take hours if not overnight to be returned to the physician. The healthcare professional interprets the result and, if needed, changes the patient’s dosage. The patient may have to wait for the results, or even return to the physician after the result is delivered.
Point of care testing
Performed by healthcare professionals immediately at the patient point of care. CoaguChek offers reliable and easy to use solutions that provide immediate results. Thus, allowing treatment decisions to be made more quickly.
Patient self-testing
Together with you, properly trained patients and/or caregivers are capable of performing reliable INR testing themselves. This method of coagulation monitoring may provide some patients with the maximum amount of freedom to suit their testing needs.
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References
- Vranckx, P., Valgimigli, M., Heidbuchel, H. (2018). The Significance of Drug-Drug and Drug-Food Interactions of Oral Anticoagulation. Arrhythmia & electrophysiology review, 7(1), 55–61.
- Wan, Y. et al. (2008). Anticoagulation control and prediction of adverse events in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review. Circulation. Cardiovascular quality and outcomes, 1(2), 84–91.
- Holbrook, A. et al. (2012). Evidence-based management of anticoagulant therapy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest, 141(2 Suppl), e152S–e184S.
- Phillips, K. W., Ansell, J. (2008). Outpatient management of oral vitamin K antagonist therapy: defining and measuring high-quality management. Expert review of cardiovascular therapy, 6(1), 57–70.