INR Anti-Coagulation Clinics
Warfarin tablets are used to stop blood from clotting in your blood vessels. It is used in conditions such as atrial fibrillation, artificial heart valves, deep vein thrombosis and ischaemic heart disease.
Some conditions need warfarin for life, others just a short time. All new patients to warfarin are advised about their need for treatment by their GP, and a warfarin clinic nurse will discuss the ideal range of blood results, effects of under/over dosing, diet and lifestyle changes, and how some other medication may effect the way warfarin works.
Here at Sid Valley Practice we offer regular nurse led warfarin clinics to test blood clotting time using a simple finger prick test. The drop of blood is analysed immediately and the next week/weeks warfarin dose given, along with the date of the next appointment. Occasionally the clotting rate will be higher or lower than the ideal range; this may require stopping or increasing the amount of warfarin given. The clinic nurse will also advise about dental treatment and preoperative management.