CT Scan "Marker" Affect INR Results for Coumadin Dosage ???

[CrohnieToo]

Would the "marker" used during a CT scan of the lungs have any effect on an INR blood draw monitoring Coumadin dosage??

I'm not sure if the usual "marker" was used or if the more expensive "marker" was used.

Started at 5 mg for 3 days and INR came in at 1.3 Monday.

So was kept at 5 mg the rest of the week except 10 mg on Monday and Wednesday.

2nd Monday's draw was 3.3 so skipped that night and 5 mg the rest of the week. CT scan was done that same Monday in the afternoon.

The following Thursday INR was 3.9. Told to skip Thursday night, 2.5 mg Friday and Saturday, 5 mg Sunday and Monday and have another INR draw this coming Tuesday.

I didn't think to mention the CT scan to the cardiologist.

[CrohnieToo]

Thanks, ksig. Don't you just love holiday weekends at times like this? To say nothing of the fact that most doctors take Fridays off in this area. At least some of them keep their office staff in a half day on Fridays. But no such luck on a holiday weekend. I guess we'll find out Tuesday. One nice thing is that I go in to the lab for the draw in the AM and by early afternoon the cardiologist's office calls me w/the results and what dosages of Coumadin to take and when to do the next blood draw.

[ksig]

Blood chemistry is not a trivial matter, thus trying to stabilize an INR can sometimes be difficult.  I have learned that I need to watch what I eat like a hawk.  I eat roughly the same amount of dark greens everyday to help me regulate the INR.  I worked with the director of my local Coumadin Clinic when I first started. She helped me with diet, the importance of notifying them when I had a change in medication etc. In fact, I have a list of high vitamin K foods list on my refrigerator.I have AFib and keep my INR between 2.5 and 2.9.  So to answer your question, the marker may have had some effect on your count.  Its best to call the clinic to find out.  My guess is it did not but call to make sure.
ksig