FAQs About
INR Testing
and Warfarin

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Answers to Common Questions About Warfarin and INR Testing


Facts About Warfarin

What is Warfarin? What conditions does it treat?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that helps prevent blood clots from forming or growing within your blood vessels. Although often called a “blood thinner,” warfarin (including brand versions such as Coumadin®) does not actually thin the blood. Instead, it works by reducing your blood’s ability to clot.

Healthcare providers may prescribe anticoagulants for people at increased risk of developing harmful blood clots. This includes individuals with conditions such as an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or those who have a mechanical heart valve. Warfarin may also be prescribed for people who have experienced a stroke, heart attack, a clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis), or a clot that has traveled to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Anyone taking warfarin needs to have their blood tested regularly to check their INR (International Normalized Ratio). These tests help ensure the medication is working effectively and safely, as directed by a healthcare provider.

For more information, please visit:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682277.html

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult your primary care physician or prescribing provider.

What are Warfarin’s side effects?

Individuals may experience different side effects from warfarin for a variety of reasons. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and discuss any concerns you may have.

Below are examples of symptoms for which you should contact your doctor immediately if they occur:

  • hives, rash, or itching
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes
  • hoarseness
  • chest pain or pressure
  • swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • fever or signs of infection
  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • extreme tiredness or loss of energy
  • loss of appetite
  • pain in the upper right part of the abdomen
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • flu‑like symptoms

Warfarin may also cause other side effects. Contact your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while taking this medication.

For more information, please visit:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682277.html

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your health, consult your primary care physician or prescribing provider.

How should I take Warfarin?

Take warfarin exactly as prescribed. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose, and do not take it more often than instructed by your doctor. If you take more than your prescribed dose, contact your doctor immediately.

Warfarin comes as an oral tablet and is typically taken once daily, with or without food.  Be sure you fully understand any new dosing instructions as prescribed and follow them carefully.

Continue taking warfarin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

For more information, please visit:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682277.html

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your health, please consult your primary care physician or prescribing provider.

What are INR levels and why is testing my INR important?

INR stands for International Normalized Ratio. It is a standardized measure of how long it takes your blood to clot. People who take anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin, need regular INR testing to ensure their level stays within the target range established by their physician.

INR testing helps determine whether your blood is clotting normally and whether your current warfarin dose is working effectively. If your INR falls outside the recommended range, your healthcare provider may adjust your dose.

Be sure to tell your provider about any other medicines or supplements you are taking, as some can affect your INR. Other factors that may influence INR results include (but are not limited to):

  • alcohol
  • foods high in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables
  • soybean and canola oils
  • high‑fat diets

Ask your doctor or nurse if there is anything you should avoid before your INR test.

To interpret your INR results, your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and any other relevant blood test results.

For more information, please visit:

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prothrombin-time-test-and-inr-ptinr/

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For recommendations specific to your health, consult your primary care physician or prescribing provider.

How often should I test?

INR testing should be performed as often as your physician prescribes. Your healthcare provider will monitor your INR results and adjust your warfarin dosage as needed. It is important to follow your prescribed testing schedule so your physician can ensure the medication is working safely and effectively.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only. For medical advice, consult a healthcare professional such as your primary care physician or prescribing provider.


FAQs About Acelis Connected Health

How does Acelis Connected Health’s service work?

Acelis Connected Health enables you to easily check your INR levels from wherever you are – freeing you from frequent trips to the lab or doctor's office to live your life on your terms. From providing a medical-grade INR meter and testing supplies, to offering qualified training and delivering test results directly to your doctor, even reminding you if you miss reporting a blood test, Acelis Connected Health is there for you.

What kind of training is provided by Acelis Connected Health?

Acelis Connected Health believes that proper training is the key to home INR monitoring success. Our goal is to ensure your success and confidence in testing your INR at home. We are the leading national service provider for patient self-testing and the only one that offers personalized training for our customers. Additionally, our customer support representatives are available to answer your questions and provide testing assistance.

Where and how do I record my testing results?

Reporting your results is easy! We offer multiple options to report your results, including our HealthCheck mobile app, online at www.achhealthcheck.com, or our self-service automated telephone system at 1-855-209-8400.

Why do you need to know private information such as my birth date or my doctor’s name?

Acelis Connected Health strives to make testing your INR at home convenient for you every step of the way. We use the information you provide to determine your insurance eligibility and provide accurate pricing. We work directly with your doctor to obtain a prescription for Acelis Connected Health’s services. Once you are signed up and testing on your own, we use your doctor’s information to ensure that your healthcare provider receives your test results promptly. Your healthcare provider will be in touch with you if a change to your medication is required.


FAQs About INR Self-Testing

How do I get the INR meter and supplies for testing?

Acelis Connected Health will provide you with your meter and testing supplies.

Where can I get more information about my meter?

More information about your INR meter will be included in the original packaging from the manufacturer.  

For an in-depth look at how to work your meter, be sure to watch the How to Perform a Self-Test video.

Click here for information on setting the time and date on your meter.

For more help with your meter, including changing the batteries or troubleshooting testing issues, please refer to the User Manual for Self-Testing, or contact our Customer Support Department at 1-877-262-4669, option 3.

I’m having trouble testing, what should I do?

Acelis Connected Health is here to help you with questions or problems that arise from the test-at-home process. From questions about the fingerstick process to queries about how to post results, our experienced support representatives are dedicated to providing you with the service you deserve. For help with testing, please contact our Customer Support Department at 1-877-262-4669, option 3.

How can I travel and still not miss a test?

Your INR meter is designed to be portable and easy to pack, wherever you go. Whether you’re traveling for a day trip or an extended stay, you can bring your meter with you and avoid the need to locate a local lab when you use Acelis Connected Health’s home testing service. This makes Acelis Connected Health an ideal option for seasonal or long-term travel, since the service travels with you—no matter where you stay* or how long you’re away.

*Acelis Connected Health service requires telephone or internet connectivity. Data rates may apply.

Will taking a new medication or supplement affect my INR?

Taking new medications—including over‑the‑counter drugs—or supplements may affect your INR results. To help prevent potential adverse effects, consult your physician or healthcare provider before your INR test and before starting any new medications or supplements.

For more information, please visit:

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prothrombin-time-test-and-inr-ptinr/

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For guidance specific to your health, please consult your primary care physician or prescribing provider.

Can my diet affect my INR results?

Yes. Certain foods can affect your INR levels by causing them to become too high or too low. In particular, foods high in vitamin K can influence how your blood clots. Other factors that may affect your INR results include (but are not limited to):

  • alcohol
  • foods high in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables
  • soybean and canola oils
  • high‑fat diets

You should follow the diet recommended by your doctor. Consult your doctor or nurse for guidance on an appropriate diet before your INR test.

For more information, please visit:

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prothrombin-time-test-and-inr-ptinr/

Note: This information is for educational purposes only. For medical advice, consult your primary care physician or prescribing provider.

What happens if I forget to test or don’t report my results?

We will remind you! Please consult with your physician about the recommended testing schedule. If you or your loved one doesn’t report their test results according to the testing schedule prescribed by the doctor, our Testing Services team will reach out to remind them.


How to Register a Complaint

How can I register any customer service or product complaints?

Billing Concerns: 1-866-563-4621

Patient Privacy Concerns: 1-866-563-4620

Or Email Us

The management and staff at Acelis Connected Health are committed to delivering a quality service to our patients, providing a safe work environment, and following all federal, state and local laws.

Below are our primary regulatory bodies you may also choose to contact:

California Department of Public Health | Food and Drug Branch
1-800-495-3232

AHCA - Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration
850-412-4403

Office of Inspector General
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
CMS.gov
1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)

The Joint Commission
1-800-994-6610
Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time)

All of these organizations have an online presence and contact information.

INR Brochure

Download our Patient INR Brochure

Customer Form

Download our Customer Information Form

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