What blood test is commonly used for monitoring Coumadin therapy?

What blood test is commonly used for monitoring Coumadin therapy?

• A. Complete blood count (CBC)
• B. PT or INR
• C. Liver function tests
• D. Basic metabolic panel (BMP)

Answer: (B)

The Prothrombin Time (PT) or International Normalized Ratio (INR) test is the standard for monitoring patients on Coumadin (warfarin) therapy because it directly assesses the effectiveness of the anticoagulant. Coumadin primarily works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and the PT/INR measures the time it takes for blood to clot. INR is particularly important as it standardizes PT results to account for variability in lab testing methods. Monitoring these values ensures that the patient remains within a therapeutic range to prevent complications such as thrombosis or bleeding. Other tests, such as a complete blood count, liver function tests, and basic metabolic panel, provide essential information about a patient's general health or organ function but do not specifically assess the anticoagulant effect of Coumadin. Therefore, utilizing PT/INR is crucial for safe and effective management of patients on warfarin therapy.

The Prothrombin Time (PT) or International Normalized Ratio (INR) test is the standard for monitoring patients on Coumadin (warfarin) therapy because it directly assesses the effectiveness of the anticoagulant. Coumadin primarily works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and the PT/INR measures the time it takes for blood to clot.

INR is particularly important as it standardizes PT results to account for variability in lab testing methods. Monitoring these values ensures that the patient remains within a therapeutic range to prevent complications such as thrombosis or bleeding. Other tests, such as a complete blood count, liver function tests, and basic metabolic panel, provide essential information about a patient's general health or organ function but do not specifically assess the anticoagulant effect of Coumadin. Therefore, utilizing PT/INR is crucial for safe and effective management of patients on warfarin therapy.