Anticoagulation Clinic

St. Luke's Anticoagulation Clinic provides education, laboratory monitoring, and dosage adjustments for patients who take anticoagulant medications to decrease the risk of blood clots that lead to heart attack, stroke or pulmonary emboli (clots in the lungs). Warfarin (Coumadin), the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant, must be taken in doses that prevent clot formation but minimize the risk of excessive bleeding. Since medications, activity, foods, and illness can affect your response to warfarin, the time it takes for blood to clot must be monitored closely by measuring INR levels. Specially trained registered nurses use finger-stick technology to obtain instant results. Results are discussed and dosage changes are made according to physician prescribed guidelines. The clinic is open to any patient by referral of their treating physician.

Winter 2007/08 Newsletter