If you are taking warfarin or other anti-coagulants, we can test your blood and give you an immediate INR value. It takes about 10 mins. Simply call into the pharmacy at any time.
If you are on warfarin, or know someone who is, talk to them about this service.

Who should be tested
All those taking warfarin should regularly test their blood to ensure the warfarin is working safely and effectively.

The test
The test is gentle, your blood is sampled with an almost pain-free finger prick. The result
The pharmacist reviews the INR result, provides advice on the dose and date of the next test, and prints out a small dosing calendar for the patient to take away.

International Normalised Ratio or INR
The standard test used to monitor the effects of warfarin gives a number called the International Normalised Ratio, or INR. Essentially the test checks how long it takes for blood to clot which it then reads as INR.

Your INR needs to stay within a certain range, called the target INR. This will be advised by your doctor.
For most people the target INR ranges from 2 to 3, however some people have a slightly lower or higher target INR. The target INR, as advised by your doctor, may also vary from time to time.

If your INR is outside your target range
If your INR is too high your risk of bleeding increases. And if your INR is too low, your blood is more likely to form a blood clot. Monitoring your INR and keeping it in your target range will help you to avoid these side effects.

How often is a test needed?
When you first start taking warfarin your INR should be tested maybe every 1 - 2 days for the first week. When you have stabilised on a warfarin dose that achieves your target INR maybe you need testing monthly.
Any changes to your diet or medicines may mean more frequent testing to check their effect on your INR.

What affects your INR
Many factors can affect how warfarin works in your body so it’s important to have your INR tests done when they are scheduled. This helps to make sure your INR stays within the target range.
Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how changes to your current medicines, new medicines, diet changes may affect your INR. Also included are 'medicines' and vitamins  bought over the counter from a pharmacy, health food shop and supermarket.
Other changes are if you are unwell or travelling, especially overseas.

More information may be found here.