Accuracy of a portable international normalized ratio monitor for patients receiving a low molecular weight heparin as a bridge pending full oral anticoagulant efficacy.

Background: Point of care (POC) devices measuring the international normalized ratio (INR) are accurate for patients with stable disease, but their efficiency has not been prospectively assessed during the "bridging period" when patients are receiving a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on top of a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) until the target INR is reached.

Methods: 188 dual INR measurement using the POC (INR(POC)) and the laboratory (INR(lab)) at the same time were consecutively determined : 69 in patients receiving LMWH+VKA (bridging group) and 119 in patients receiving only a VKA (control group). INRpoc was compared to INR(lab).