Abstract

A POC device is a small portable instrument that measures clotting time from a fingerstick whole blood sample. Most POC devices report the result as either a prothrombin time (PT) or as an INR.

For both adults and children, use of a POC INR device provides a simple way to improve warfarin anticoagulation management in both the office setting and at home. The POC INR device requires a small blood sample in order to produce an INR result within one minute, enable timely drug dose adjustments and allow prompt attention to INR values that fall substantially outside the therapeutic range. INR measurements can be performed at a patient’s convenience and eliminate the need for laboratory visits. This convenience facilitates more frequent INR testing. Furthermore, in randomized trials comparing POC with laboratory-based INR monitoring, POC-based monitoring has been shown to improve the quality of anticoagulation control (i.e. time in the therapeutic range) and to reduce thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events. POC INR devices vary in their ease of use due to: differences in blood sample volume required, the technique of application of blood sample to meter, the need for external quality control testing, refrigeration of test strips, and meter portability.