What is a hematology lab test inr?

Answer 1

INR is a valuable measure of the liver's ability to synthesize fibrinogen and vitamin K-dependent clotting factors: factors II (prothrombin), V, VII, and X. Changes can occur rapidly because some of the involved clotting factors have short biologic half-lives (eg, 6 h for factor VII). Abnormalities indicate severe hepatocellular dysfunction, an ominous sign in acute liver disorders. In chronic liver disorders, an increasing INR indicates progression to liver failure. The INR does not increase in mild hepatocellular dysfunction and is often normal in cirrhosis. AN abnormal INR can result from coagulation disorders such as a consumptive coagulopathy or vitamin K deficiency. Fat malabsorption, including cholestasis, can cause vitamin K deficiency.