A therapeutic range such as 2.0 to 3.0 or 2.5 to 3.5 is a target and not something that is completely attainable at all times. 1.7 is not within most prescribed target ranges but still affords more protection than being untreated, with baseline untreated INR typically being 0.8 or slightly above. Some long-termers are kept in a sub-therapeutic range starting at 1.5 and they do fine. What matters more than one test's number is that you are in treatment, are being monitored, and are being trended toward a target range even if you are not always within it.

Thank you. I always learn something new every time I ask the question. I know nothing about "normal" INR rates. And I just know the doctors kept saying 2-3. And you are right, the pulmonologist said it was o.k. to send me home, but to make sure my doctor knows first thing Monday morning.

I went off my warfarin for surgery a couple weeks ago and my "normal" INR is 0.9, which is interesting. We're still working toward getting me back therapeutic again. I was 1.8 yesterday, so we're in a similar range.

Technically, the goal for most of us is to be above 2.0. Some patients with extra clotting issues may try to stay above 2.5. But really, anything between 2.0 and 3.5 is pretty good for us clotters. i prefer around 2.4 to 2.6 but that is my own preference about where I feel safest.

Did they adjust your warfarin dose after the 1.7? Hopefully, they bumped you up a bit.

No, the pulmonologist at the hospital just said to contact my doctor Monday morning and stay on the dose I'm on now. I don't like that doctor, but my doctor is not near to my home when it's an emergency. I have been getting my INR done on Friday and that is probably not a good idea; cause the doctor doesn't get it until the next business day. So, for now, until it's regulated, I will go Thursday morning. I know I'll feel better. And can avoid these trips to the ER. Two weeks ago it was 5 and I was peeing blood. Now, we are on the other end. Guess it takes time.

Switching to a Thursday test sounds like a good idea, since you can adjust your dose before the weekend.

For me, being too low on an off-hour would probably prompt a call to my doc's after hours number just so I could get an adjustment ASAP. I don't think you're in danger of throwing another clot, but I'd want to get my INR trending toward therapeutic as quickly as possible. It isn't a panic thing by any means, just being a responsible patient and looking toward your own health.

The first night I had my home INR machine, I tested at 4.8 with the training nurse present. (I'd just started antibiotics a couple days before, so I wasn't too surprised at the number.) Seven o'clock at night but I hadn't taken my warfarin dose that night. Called after hours and got instructions for the next few days. Even though it was a weekday and my doc would be open the next day, I didn't want to take the same dose knowing my INR was so far out of range. They were fine with it.

Just a thought, if they'll do the dose adjustments on the phone...