international normalization ratio (INR)

The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a standardized way to measure how long it takes your blood to clot, especially useful for people on blood thinners. It compares your clotting time to a normal value, adjusting for different lab methods. A low INR (below 1) means blood clots faster than normal, while a high INR (above 1) indicates slower clotting, which can increase bleeding risk or indicate the need for dosage adjustments in blood thinner therapy. Regular INR testing helps doctors maintain the right balance, ensuring effective and safe blood thinning.