INR (International Normalized Ratio)

The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a blood test that measures how long it takes your blood to clot compared to an average. It helps doctors assess whether blood thinning medications, like warfarin, are working properly. A normal INR range is usually around 1.0, indicating normal clotting. Higher INR values mean the blood takes longer to clot, increasing bleeding risk; lower values mean it clots too quickly, raising clotting risk. Monitoring INR helps ensure your blood's clotting ability stays within a safe and effective range, especially when you're on blood-thinning treatments.