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Test Code INR INR POCT

Important Note

This test is available at Medical Associates of Maquoketa and Medical Associates Dubuque for their patients only. Maquoketa provides testing for outside facilities with valid orders.

Additional Codes

ALAB: INR

MA Cerner: INR POC

Test Method

Coaguchek INR

Specimen Requirement

Capillary puncture or venous blood obtained by syringe.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Capillary Puncture using a lancet device:

  1. When possible, patients will wash their hands in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry completely.
  2. Place the patient’s hand in a dependent position. If the patient’s fingers are cold, wrap a warm washcloth around the fingers for several minutes prior to performing the puncture.
  3. Cleanse the puncture site with an alcohol pad just prior to the procedure; allow the site to air dry. The area is then “milked” very gently to encourage capillary flow.
  4. Position the lancet on the puncture site. For a “normal” puncture depth, place the oval opening “across” the long axis of the digit. For a “deeper” puncture, position the oval opening “with” the long axis of the digit.
  5. While applying a small amount of pressure on the lancet device against the puncture site, press the trigger.
  6. Gently milk the area to produce a large hanging drop of blood. Do not “squeeze” the tissue around the puncture site.
  7. The first drop of blood is used for testing on the Coaguchek INR test. DO NOT wipe the first drop of blood.
  8. When testing is complete, discard the lancet device. Lancets are not to be reused, even on the same patient.
  9. Rotate puncture sites on each patient to minimize soreness.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Friday at Medical Associates Dubuque.

Testing is performed Monday through Saturday at Medical Associates of Maquoketa.

Reference Values

Target INR Ranges (set by physician)

  • Typically: 2.0 - 3.0
  • Mechanical Valve: 2.5 - 3.5
    • Critical value: > 5.0 (for oral anticoagulated patients)

CPT Code Information

85610 Coagulopathy Testing: Prothrombin Time

Useful For

Monitoring intensity of oral anticoagulant therapy when combined with INR reporting

Screening assay to detect deficiencies of 1 or more coagulation factors (factors I, II, V, VII, X) due to:

Hereditary or acquired deficiency states

Vitamin K deficiency

Liver disease

Specific coagulation factor inhibitors

Screening assay to detect coagulation inhibition ("circulating anticoagulants") associated with:

Specific coagulation factor inhibitors

Lupus-like anticoagulant inhibitors (antiphospholipid antibodies)

Nonspecific prothrombin time inhibitors (eg, monoclonal immunoglobulins, elevated fibrin degradation products)

LOINC Code Information

6301-6 INR In Platelet Poor Plasma By Coagulation Assay