Warfarin Support Group
When a patient is put on Warfarin, Medical Practitioners will often request that QML Pathology assist in controlling this patient's ongoing dosage requirements. Our dedicated patient liaison team of specialist pathologists, medical practitioners and health professionals work together to ensure that patients are provided with updated test results and dosing, and are comfortable with the process.
In order to streamline the procedure we have a number of processes in place regarding when the patient must have their blood test and when they will be contacted by one of our staff members.
However, if you are a member of our Warfarin Care Clinic and have any concerns or queries please contact our support service via email warfarincare@qml.com.au, making sure to quote your QML Pathology reference number in the email subject line, or phone 1300 661 963 during the following hours:
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Monday - Friday |
7.00am - 6.00pm |
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Saturday |
7.00am - 5.00pm |
Getting your blood test
It is preferable that you have your blood test between 9.00am and 12.00pm. You will have a shorter waiting time by avoiding our busy morning period. Your test can be done at any of our QML Pathology collection centres. Please bring with you your current INR card. Where possible, please complete a QML Pathology Warfarin Control Request Form prior to your test.
A copy of this form can be downloaded and printed by clicking on the following link:
It is very important that you note any changes to contact details, as well as any medication changes or significant health issues. QML Pathology cannot be held responsible for any adverse event if you have provided inaccurate or incomplete information to our Warfarin Dosing Service.
For further information regarding the process please click on any of the links below:
INR Blood Testing Information
An INR (International Normalised Ratio) blood test is performed for patients taking Warfarin. The results of the INR are then used to adjust the Warfarin dosage at particular intervals. When you begin taking Warfarin, blood tests will initially be done every 2-3 days until the result begins to stabilise (this may take approximately 1-2 weeks).
Testing time will then become weekly extending up to 12 weeks as time progresses (please note: not all patients will be allowed to test at 12 week intervals due to various external factors - i.e. diet, other medication, illness, stress or travel).
Receiving Your Results
QML Pathology will contact you with your dose of Warfarin, i.e. the tablets you will need to take until your next test. At this time you will also be informed of your test results and the date you are required to have your next blood test. When telephoned, please have a pen and paper to write this vital information down.
If you are a NEW patient (less than 4 weeks on our program) and have had your blood collected before 12.00pm, QML Pathology will endeavour to phone you on the same day your blood test is performed. If you do not receive a call from the Warfarin Support Service by 8.00am the next day, please phone us on 1300 661 963 and quote your patient reference number.
If you cannot make contact with the support service, continue with your current dose until contact is achieved. Be assured that abnormal results are dealt with as a matter of urgency and you will be phoned ASAP in this case. If you are experiencing significant bleeding you must seek medical advice ASAP through your doctor or hospital.
If you are an ESTABLISHED patient (more than 4 weeks on our program) and an abnormal result is identified, you will be contacted as a matter of urgency by our staff. However, until we contact you it is important that you continue taking your current dose of Warfarin. If there are changes to your dose then you will be contacted within 48 hours to confirm your new dosage and the date of your next blood test. If you do not receive a phone call after 72 hours please phone us on 1300 661 963 and quote your reference number.
As of June 2009, stable patients (those with no change to their dose and next test in 14 days or more) will receive their results by mail.
If you are experiencing significant bleeding you must seek medical advice ASAP through your doctor or hospital.
Your assistance in the management of your Warfarin therapy is greatly appreciated.
Useful Warfarin Publications
The following publications have been developed to assist you with the management of your warfarin:
