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A Division of
Western Wisconson
Medical Association, S.C.
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Home » Highlights »
Change in Point of Care INR Testing
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Apr 17, 2006
The River Falls Medical Clinic is excited to announce a change to the way they monitor patients that are taking a medication called Coumadin/Warfarin. This is a medication taken by patients who need to have their blood thinned due to surgery, heart valve or joint replacement or have certain conditions that may cause their blood to clot. Coumadin/Warfarin is one of the most difficult medications to monitor and it is important these patients have their blood level monitored in a safe and efficient manner. Patients on this medication need to have their blood tested at least once a month. The new process is called point of care INR testing. When a patient comes in for their point of care INR blood test they will have a brief visit with a nurse. The nurse will check the patient's blood pressure and pulse. The nurse will also review with the patient how they have been taking their Coumadin, any side effects they may be experiencing and answer any questions they may have. The testing process is very simple. The nurse obtains a drop of blood through a finger stick and runs the test on our new machine. The patinet's INR result will be completed in just a few minutes so that she can review the results with the patient right away. The nurse can then instruct the patient on any changes that the doctor makes as well as inform them of when they need to return for their next point of care INR. Point of care INR testing is is done Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. We do ask that patients call to schedule an appointment in advance. To learn more about INR testing or to schedule ad appointment, please call (715) 426-6701 or (800) 514-9204. Point of Care INR testing is available at three clinic sites including River Falls, Ellsworth and Spring Valley.
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