Why it is performed
- Assess bleeding or coagulation disorders when clinically indicated.
- Support pre-operative assessment when the procedure and history justify it.
- Monitor specific anticoagulants: INR is mainly used for vitamin K antagonists and not as routine measurement for all DOACs.
How it is performed
Blood is collected without unnecessary prolonged tourniquet use and the tube is filled to the mark to preserve the blood/citrate ratio. It is gently mixed and processed or referred within specified time and temperature limits.
Preparation
- Report the name, dose and time of the last anticoagulant or antiplatelet dose.
- Do not stop anticoagulants on your own before sampling or surgery.
- Clotted, underfilled or contaminated samples may need repeating.
How Askabide processes it
Combined pathway
Coagulometric tests such as PT/INR, aPTT and, when requested, fibrinogen or other studies. Askabide will confirm which tests are performed on site and which follow the partner-laboratory pathway.
Part is performed at Askabide and another phase or confirmation is processed externally.
Results and indicative intervals
Intervals vary by method, analyser, reagent, units, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase and reference population. The valid interval is the one printed on the laboratory report.
| Parameter or result | Indicative reference | How it is interpreted |
|---|---|---|
| PT | Aprox. 11–13,5 s | Reagent-dependent; INR is often also reported. |
| INR without anticoagulation | Aprox. 0,8–1,1 | The therapeutic target on anticoagulation is set by the clinician and differs from the untreated interval. |
| aPTT | Aprox. 25–35 s | Varies substantially by instrument and reagent; always use the report’s interval. |
| Fibrinogen | Aprox. 200–400 mg/dL | May rise with inflammation and vary with pregnancy and method. |
Important limitations
- Intervals are particularly reagent- and analyser-dependent.
- A normal result does not exclude every bleeding disorder.
- DOACs can affect some tests unpredictably and may require specific assays in selected situations.
- Urgent interpretation of a very high INR or active bleeding requires clinical assessment, not a website.