Comparison of Point of Care Device with Lab Monitoring of INR Assay for Monitoring of Anticoagulant Therapy

ObjectiveTo test whether point of care measurement is as safe, as lab measurement of patient as assessed by therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) control. MethodsIt is a hospital based prospective comparative study, including 80 patients, dividing into group 1, in which INR was measured with the help of point of care device at OPD and in group 2, in which INR was measured by standard lab and accordingly dose adjustments were done monthly and were followed up for 6 months. ResultsThe incidence of major bleed was 5 % in group 2 and no major bleeding events in group 1. The incidence of thromboembolic events was equal in both groups which was 5 % in each group. The incidence of major events was 5 % and 10 % patient year respectively in group 1 and 2. The incidence of minor bleeding events was 20 % and 10 % respectively in group 1 and 2. Overall incidence of adverse event was 25 % and 20 % respectively in group 1 and 2. Percentage of time in therapeutic range which can be considered as surrogate marker for clinical effectiveness of INR control for propensity of adverse event is significantly more in group 1 (59.59 %) than group 2 (48.95 %). ConclusionINR measurement with point of care device for monitoring of oral anticoagulant therapy is as safe, as lab measurement by therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) control.