Warfarin INR testing

Why test your INR at the pharmacy

We’re part of the Community Pharmacy Anticoagulation Management Service (CPAMS), and test INR in the pharmacy for people who take warfarin. For many people in Central and Western Southland, including Otautau and Nightcaps, we’re the closest pharmacy that does.

The test is free, and it’s a quick, virtually pain-free finger prick. Instead of waiting all day for a phone call after a lab test, you’ll know your result and your recommended warfarin dose straight away.

• Your INR measured from a finger prick, not a blood test at the lab
• Your result within about five minutes
• Your recommended warfarin dose straight away
• A printed calendar showing your doses to take home

The CoaguChek meter we use needs much less blood than a venous blood sample, so it’s less painful. The results are as accurate as a lab test, and much faster.

Support with your warfarin

Everyone on the service has a full warfarin counselling session with one of our qualified pharmacists, so you understand your treatment well. You’ll also get a handout covering the important things to remember about warfarin.

What happens when you come in

1. Your GP refers you

   Your doctor refers you to the community pharmacy warfarin service. You can return to your GP’s care at any time.

2. A finger-prick test

   A drop of blood goes on a test strip in a small device. The INR Online software reads your result and works out a recommended dose.

3. Your dose, in writing

   The pharmacist checks the result, explains your dose and the date of your next test, and prints a dosing calendar for you.

4. Your GP stays informed

   Every result goes to your medical centre automatically, and your GP is alerted by email if a result is outside the range of 1.5 to 4.