Novel Technology for International Normalized Ratio Monitoring

Abstract

Over the past decade, the number of patients requiring anticoagulant therapy has risen markedly, caused by the high incidence of cardiovascular diseases—a trend expected to intensify as the population ages. In Cuba, warfarin remains the most widely prescribed oral anticoagulant; its safe use mandates rigorous laboratory monitoring through the International Normalized Ratio (INR). Recently, the hemostasis laboratory of Saturnino Lora Hospital introduced the point-of-care testing (POCT) for quantitative INR determination, yielding satisfactory results. The aim of this report is to disseminate the relevance and advantages of this emerging technology for warfarin-treated patients. A descriptive review of the literature pertaining to the POCT device CoaguChek® was conducted, a portable coagulometer designed for outpatient oral anticoagulation monitoring. The evidence consistently demonstrates that point-of-care INR assessment significantly enhances anticoagulation management by reducing turnaround time, improving quality of care, and increasing satisfaction of both patients and attending physicians.