What is an anticoagulant?  

An anticoagulant, also known as a blood thinner, is a medication that is normally taken orally in an outpatient setting.  It is used to prevent or treat thrombus (clots) in the blood stream.  Aspirin and Coumadin (Warfarin) are two such anticoagulants.  Anticoagulants are often used in medical management of CVA (stroke), atrial fibrillation, DVT (deep vein thromobosis), heart failure, heart attacks, valve replacement, and following the placement of a stent.

What is a PT/INR? 

The test performed to monitor the blood's ability to clot is called Prothrombin Time, International Normalized Ratio.  Patients who are taking anticoagulants need to have their PT/INR levels monitored on a regular basis to ensure that their medications are effective.  A proper level will help prevent a patient from developing clots with causing excessive bleeding or bruising.  The frequency at which the test must be done varies by patient.  At Alfieri Cardiology, we try to minimize the number of needed visits through customized medical management.  

How is the PT/INR Test Performed? 

The traditional way to monitor PT/INR levels has been to have a sample of blood drawn from your arm by a phlebotomist at a laboratory.  The lab would then test the sample and send the results to your doctor.  Results were normally available the following day.
 

At Alfieri Cardiology, we are using a much easier and more comfortable method.  We obtain your blood sample from a simple stick of your finger.  This "fingerstick" method allows our staff to obtain a single drop of blood which is placed onto a test strip. This is then loaded into our on-site testing device.  Your results are available within a minute and are just as accurate, yet more convenient than if they were obtained at the lab.

Why Choose Alfieri Cardiology? 

We created our Anticoagulant Clinics to help simplify the process of monitoring your blood levels and to help guarantee the quality and consistency of your care.

Your PT/INR can be followed at any one of our three locations in New Castle County.  At each clinic you will receive personalized attention from our staff.  We believe that patient education is a vital part of your care.  Our staff takes the time to make sure you understand your anticoagulant treatment.  They are available to answer any questions you may have and they work closely with your physician to make sure everyone has the information needed to best manage your health care.