scholarly journals Simplified Method for International Normalized Ratio (INR) Derivation Based on the Prothrombin Time/INR Line: An International Study

2010 ◽  
Vol 56 (10) ◽  
pp. 1608-1617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Poller ◽  
Saied Ibrahim ◽  
Michelle Keown ◽  
Albert Pattison ◽  
Jørgen Jespersen
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Independent Set ◽  
International Study ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Concerted Action ◽  
Total Proportion ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Certified Values ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

BACKGROUND The need to perform local International Sensitivity Index (ISI) calibrations and in particular the requirement for a manual method for prothrombin time (PT) determination, have proved to be obstacles to application of the WHO scheme for PT standardization. METHODS We used international normalized ratio (INR) derived with a set of only 5 European Concerted Action on Anticoagulation (ECAA) lyophilized calibrant plasmas, certified manually by expert centers with reference thromboplastins, to determine a local PT/INR Line. We compared results of an independent set of validation plasmas with INRs from conventional ISI calibrations and with manually certified INRs. RESULTS The mean certified INR of 5 lyophilized validation plasmas was 2.41 with human thromboplastin, 2.04 with bovine/combined, and 2.80 with rabbit. With 42 human reagents, the mean observed INR of the validation plasmas was 2.68 (11.2% deviation from certified INR). Deviation was reduced to 0.4% with both local ISI calibration and the PT/INR Line. Eight results based on bovine/combined thromboplastin gave an INR deviation of 4.9%, becoming 0.5% after ISI calibration and 2.4% with the PT/INR Line. Six results with rabbit reagents deviated from certified INR by 2.5%. After ISI calibration, deviation became 1.1%, and with the PT/INR Line, 0.7%. The PT/INR Line gave similar results with both linear and orthogonal regression analysis. The total proportion of validation plasmas giving INR within 10% deviation from certified values was 42.5% with uncorrected INR, which increased to 92.1% with local ISI calibration and 93.2% with the PT/INR Line. CONCLUSIONS The PT/INR Line procedure with 5 ECAA calibrant plasmas successfully substitutes for local ISI calibrations in deriving reliable INRs.

scholarly journals Laboratory Wise Variations in Prothrombin Time - INR - A Cross Sectional Study in Trivandrum, Kerala

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (24) ◽  
pp. 2112-2116
Author(s):  
Shahana Jahan Kulathinte Meethal ◽  
Ravikrishnan Jayakumar ◽  
Suresh Kumar Sreenivasan ◽  
Shaffeek Abdul Majeed ◽  
Indira Kariveettil
Keyword(s):  
Mitral Valve ◽  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

BACKGROUND Prothrombin time (PT) is routinely used as a test of coagulation. Thromboplastin is the key ingredient in the reagent for this test. Prothrombin time international normalized ratio (INR) readings can vary according to the thromboplastin used in the reagent. The composition of thromboplastin reagents can influence the sensitivity of each batch of reagents. Various thromboplastin reagents having different international sensitivity index (ISI) values are available now. This study was intended to evaluate the effect of different thromboplastins on INR reading for mitral valve replaced patients under stable oral anticoagulant therapy. METHODS The study was conducted on the citrated plasma received from the mitral valve replaced patients having stable international ratio between 2 to 3 for three months. 62 samples were collected from the clinical pathology laboratory, Govt. Medical College, Trivandrum. Each sample was tested with different thromboplastin reagents having international sensitivity index 1.0, 1.1 and 1.6 by measurement of the prothrombin time and conversion into international normalized ratio. The INR obtained from the thromboplastin with international sensitivity index 1.0 was considered as the standard. INR results obtained from samples tested with thromboplastin reagents with ISI 1.1 and 1.6 were compared with the standard by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnett’s post hoc tests. RESULTS Sixty-two samples were tested with the thromboplastin reagent having ISI – 1.0, the mean INR is 2.42, for ISI – 1.1 mean INR value is 2.53 and for ISI 1.6, the mean INR value is 3.19. While comparing the mean value of INR for different reagents using ANOVA, the F value was 14.86, which was significant. P value less than 0.01. In the Dunnett post hoc test, the P value of difference between ISI 1.0/1.6 was < 0.01. Between ISI 1.1/1.6 also the P value is < 0.01. Both of these were significant. The P value of difference between the reagents having ISI 1.0 and 1.1 is 0.838 which denotes no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the thromboplastin reagent with ISI 1.0 or nearest to 1.0 is most desirable for accurate INR report. KEYWORDS Prothrombin Time, International Sensitivity Index, International Normalized Ratio

Laboratory Reporting of the International Normalized Ratio: Progress and Problems

2007 ◽  
Vol 131 (11) ◽  
pp. 1641-1647
Author(s):  
John D. Olson ◽  
John T. Brandt ◽  
Wayne L. Chandler ◽  
Elizabeth M. Van Cott ◽  
Mark T. Cunningham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Proficiency Testing ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Laboratory Practice ◽  
Consensus Conferences ◽  
Quality Of Patient Care ◽  
The Mean ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

Abstract Context.—The international normalized ratio (INR) is widely used to monitor oral anticoagulation and to evaluate patients with coagulation disorders. Objective.—To examine the variability of the performance and reporting of the INR and to evaluate laboratory calculation of the INR. Design.—Between 1993 and 2003, laboratories participating in proficiency testing were surveyed. Participants provided the international sensitivity index and the mean normal prothrombin time used to calculate the INR. The INR was calculated from the data provided and compared with the INR reported to determine if the calculation was correct. Results.—Survey data regarding the INR collected between 1993 and 2003 demonstrate an improvement in reporting, using appropriate anticoagulant, using lower international sensitivity index reagents, and matching international sensitivity index and prothrombin time method. The all-method coefficient of variation of the INR improved from 18% to 5.8%. Among 3813 laboratories studied in 2002 and 2003, 4.1% miscalculated INR. Of 29 laboratories that reported investigation of the INR miscalculation, 11 (38%) reported correcting an INR that was being reported in patient results and that this error was corrected as a result of the study. Since beginning grading of the INR calculation, miscalculation of the INR has fallen to less than 1%. Conclusions.—Recommendations for change in laboratory practice made by consensus conferences are implemented during the course of many years. Difficulty calculating the INR was documented, and both the calculation and the variability in the reporting of the INR showed improvement. Proficiency testing, when closely evaluated and acted on, can have a direct impact on the quality of patient care.

scholarly journals European Concerted Action on Anticoagulation. Use of Plasma Samples to Derive International Sensitivity Index for Whole-Blood Prothrombin Time Monitors

2002 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Poller ◽  
Michelle Keown ◽  
Nikhil Chauhan ◽  
Anton MHP van den Besselaar ◽  
Joyce Meeuwisse-Braun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Chloride Concentration ◽  
Calibration Procedure ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Concerted Action ◽  
The Mean ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

Abstract Background: To simplify International Sensitivity Index (ISI) calibration, the possibility of substituting fresh plasma for fresh whole-blood samples with point-of-care testing (POCT) whole-blood monitors was investigated in a three-center study of three different POCT systems. Methods: A modified full WHO calibration procedure based on 20 healthy controls and 60 coumarin-treated patients was performed on three monitoring systems with whole-blood and plasma samples against plasma tested using the European Concerted Action on Anticoagulation (ECAA) rabbit reference plain thromboplastin and the manual prothrombin time (PT) method. Results: With one of the three systems, the mean ISI was 1.51 for whole blood and 1.49 for plasma; with the second system, the mean ISI was 1.08 for both whole blood and plasma. With the third system, however, the difference between the mean ISI for whole blood and that for plasma was greater (1.15 and 1.01, respectively). Overall, the precision of the calibrations was less than with traditional manual plasma PT testing. Conclusions: Provided that an appropriate calcium chloride concentration is used, the plasma PT results can be used for accurate ISI calibration of two of these three whole-blood POCT systems. Precision criteria need to be modified for POCT monitors.

Multi-Center Study of Thromboplastin Calibration Precision – Influence of Reagent Species, Composition, and International Sensitivity Index (ISI)

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (01) ◽  
pp. 035-040 ◽  
Author(s):  
A M H P van den Besselaar ◽  
R M Bertina
Keyword(s):  
Oral Anticoagulants ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
The Other ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rabbit Brain ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Bovine Plasma ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

SummaryFour thromboplastin reagents were tested by 18 laboratories in Europe, North-America, and Australasia, according to a detailed protocol. One thromboplastin was the International Reference Preparation for ox brain thromboplastin combined with adsorbed bovine plasma (coded OBT/79), and the second was a certified reference material for rabbit brain thromboplastin, plain (coded CRM 149R). The other two thromboplastin reagents were another rabbit plain brain thromboplastin (RP) with a lower ISI than CRM 149R and a rabbit brain thromboplastin combined with adsorbed bovine plasma (RC). Calibration of the latter two reagents was performed according to methods recommended by the World Health Organization (W. H. O.).The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: 1) Is the calibration of the RC reagent more precise against the bovine/combined (OBT/79) than against the rabbit/plain reagent (CRM 149R)? 2) Is the precision of calibration influenced by the magnitude of the International Sensitivity Index (ISI)?The lowest inter-laboratory variation of ISI was observed in the calibration of the rabbit/plain reagent (RP) against the other rabbit/plain reagent (CRM 149R) (CV 1.6%). The highest interlaboratory variation was obtained in the calibration of rabbit/plain (RP) against bovine/combined (OBT/79) (CV 5.1%). In the calibration of the rabbit/combined (RC) reagent, there was no difference in precision between OBT/79 (CV 4.3%) and CRM 149R (CV 4.2%). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the precision of the ISI of RC obtained with CRM 149R (ISI = 1.343) and the rabbit/plain (RP) reagent with ISI = 1.14. In conclusion, the calibration of RC could be performed with similar precision with either OBT/79 or CRM 149R, or RP.The mean ISI values calculated with OBT/79 and CRM 149R were practically identical, indicating that there is no bias in the ISI of these reference preparations and that these reference preparations have been stable since their original calibration studies in 1979 and 1987, respectively.International Normalized Ratio (INR) equivalents were calculated for a lyophilized control plasma derived from patients treated with oral anticoagulants. There were small but significant differences in the mean INR equivalents between the bovine and rabbit thromboplastins. There were no differences in the interlaboratory variation of the INR equivalents, when the four thromboplastins were compared.

Multicenter Evaluation of Lyophilized and Deep-frozen Plasmas for Assignment of the International Normalized Ratio

1999 ◽  
Vol 82 (11) ◽  
pp. 1451-1455 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. L. Houbouyan-Reveillard ◽  
M. F. Aillaud ◽  
K. W. E. Denson ◽  
C. Droullé ◽  
M. Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
External Quality Assessment ◽  
Calibration Procedure ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Local Calibration ◽  
External Quality ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Time Systems ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

SummaryThe interlaboratory variation of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) in various external quality assessment schemes is still relatively high. This is partly caused by inaccuracy of manufacturers’ stated International Sensitivity Index (ISI) and/or local instrumentation effects. The interlaboratory variation and accuracy of INR determinations may be improved by a local calibration procedure based on lyophilized plasmas with assigned INRs. The purpose of the present study was to determine INR values for different types of lyophilized plasmas to be used for local calibration. A total of 13 lyophilized plasmas (one normal, six from coumarin-treated patients, six artificially depleted) were analyzed by 10 laboratories, each using five calibrated prothrombin time (PT) systems. INRs were calculated for each plasma using each laboratory’s specific ISI and mean normal prothrombin time values. In the same way, five deep-frozen pooled plasmas from coumarin-treated patients were analyzed. There were significant INR differences for the lyophilized plasmas between the prothrombin time systems. The differences were relatively small for the deep-frozen coumarin plasmas (CV 2.6-3.3%) and three lyophilized coumarin plasmas from one manufacturer (CV 3.7-4.8%). Important INR differences were observed for three lyophilized coumarin plasmas from another manufacturer (CV 9.5-14.1%) and several artificially depleted plasmas (CV 5.3-12.8%). The citrate concentrations in the artificially depleted plasmas were lower than those in the normal and coumarin plasmas. These differences should be considered in the selection and certification of plasmas as calibrants for local calibration of PT systems. The lyophilized plasmas’ INR values obtained in the present study will be used for a field study of local PT calibration to assess their efficacy.

INR derivation with the PT/INR Line simplified using a spreadsheet from the world wide web

2011 ◽  
Vol 64 (10) ◽  
pp. 930-932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Poller ◽  
Saied Ibrahim ◽  
Albert Pattison ◽  
Jørgen Jespersen ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Concerted Action ◽  
The World ◽  
Complex Linear ◽  
Local Mean ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

BackgroundThe prothrombin time/international normalised ratio (PT/INR) Line method to derive INR, based on only five European Concerted Action on Anticoagulation (ECAA) certified plasmas, is shown to be reliable in previous ECAA studies. A simpler method not requiring linear regression calculation would be an advantage.MethodAfter determining the local PT/INR Line, local INRs have been obtained using a readily available spreadsheet on the internet which laboratories can use without performing any additional calculations.ResultsExamples of INR derivation have been obtained from results at 16 centres using a range of local coagulometers with human thromboplastin international reference preparations (IRPs). The procedure does not require manual PT testing, local international sensitivity index calibration, availability of thromboplastin IRPs or local mean normal prothrombin time.ConclusionsFrom the PT/INR Line, INR values for local PT results are easily obtained using an Excel spreadsheet from our website (http://www.anticoagulants.co.uk/) which does not require the complex linear regression analysis to derive INR.

How to Generate a More Accurate Laboratory-Based International Normalized Ratio: Solutions to Obtaining or Verifying the Mean Normal Prothrombin Time and International Sensitivity Index

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (01) ◽  
pp. 010-021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Favaloro
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Anticoagulation Therapy ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Secondary Process ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Thrombotic Risk ◽  
Laboratory Test Results ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

AbstractAlthough the landscape of anticoagulation therapy is evolving, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin remain an anticoagulant of choice for many clinicians and their patients. Nevertheless, management of VKA therapy remains challenging, largely because of patient variability and drug and food interactions; thus, VKA dosing has to be personalized. This is achieved by regular monitoring using a test called the prothrombin time (PT), mathematically converted to an international normalized ratio (INR). The INR system is meant to harmonize laboratory test results by taking into account reagent and instrumentation variability that is otherwise expected to give rise to variable PT values, but which should accordingly lead to less variable INR values. Of clinical importance, too low an INR is suggestive of increased thrombotic risk and typically means the VKA dose should be increased, whereas too high an INR is suggestive of increased bleeding risk and typically means the VKA dose should be temporarily withheld and/or decreased. However, evidence continues to show that variability in INR values between laboratories remains unacceptably high. Given that modern instrumentation provides for robust analytical values—meaning highly reproducible intralaboratory clotting times or PTs in this case—the most likely cause of high INR variability is inconsistency in the INR test components—meaning the MNPT (mean normal PT) and ISI (international sensitivity index) values used by laboratories to generate a given INR. In other words, there are doubts as to the accuracy of some INR values because there are corresponding doubts about the accuracy of MNPT and/or ISI values that have been assigned by some laboratories for their reagent/instrument combination. The current report is intended to provide some solutions around the problems of inaccurate INRs, ISIs, and MNPTs, thus aiming to drive laboratory INRs closer to “truth,” and thus promote better patient management. The novel strategies include a primary process of transference to obtain/verify MNPT and/or ISI values for a new reagent using an existing reagent as reference, and a secondary process whereby external quality assessment data can be used to correct bias or existing errors in assigned MNPT and/or ISI values.

Thromboplastin Composition Affects the Sensitivity of Prothrombin Time (PT) Clotting Tests To Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 928-928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie A. Smith ◽  
James H. Morrissey
Keyword(s):  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
Tissue Factor ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Assay Sensitivity ◽  
Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

Abstract Introduction: Thromboplastin reagents used for prothrombin time (PT) clotting assays vary in their sensitivity to anticoagulant drugs that directly inhibit Factor Xa (FXa). The International Sensitivity Index (ISI)/International Normalized Ratio (INR) system was introduced for monitoring warfarin, and corrects for differences in PT assay sensitivity. However, it does not adequately correct for differences in assay sensitivity to direct FXa inhibitors. The objective of this study was to determine how the composition of thromboplastin reagents affects PT sensitivity to the novel oral, direct FXa inhibitor rivaroxaban and how this correlates with the INR. Methods: Several recombinant thromboplastin reagents were prepared using different concentrations of NaCl, tissue factor and phospholipids (PL). They also contained different % of phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). These locally prepared thromboplastin reagents and five commercial thromboplastin assays were evaluated. PT ratios (PTR = PT with drug/PT without drug) were measured using normal human plasma to which rivaroxaban 1 μg/mL was added in vitro. Some PTRs were converted to INRs using locally determined ISI. Results: PT obtained with commercial thromboplastins was prolonged by rivaroxaban (Table), but the magnitude varied more than 3-fold, depending on the thromboplastin. Converting PTR to INR failed to normalize these results and made discrepancies more pronounced. Using locally prepared thromboplastin reagents, the PT sensitivity toward rivaroxaban was found to increase by decreasing the concentration of tissue factor or by increasing the concentration of PL or NaCl. Increasing the % PS generally decreased rivaroxaban sensitivity, while including PE generally increased rivaroxaban sensitivity. There was also a trend toward higher rivaroxaban sensitivity as the baseline PT increased. As with commercial thromboplastins, converting these PTR values to INR frequently made the discrepancies more pronounced. Conclusions: Changing the composition of thromboplastin reagents had disparate effects on the sensitivity of PT clotting tests to rivaroxaban. Furthermore, converting PTR values to INR failed to eliminate, and in some cases even exacerbated, the apparent differences in assay sensitivity of these PT clotting tests to rivaroxaban. This study sheds new light on the shortfall of the ISI/INR system to adequately correct for variation in the sensitivity of PT tests to direct FXa inhibitors. However, data show that other global clotting tests, such as PT, can be used to assess the efficacy of direct FXa inhibitors. Table 1: PT results for normal plasma spiked with 1 μg/ml rivaroxaban using commercial thromboplastins Commercial thromboplastins ISI PTR INR INR, International Normalized Ratio; ISI, International Sensitivity Index; PTR, prothrombin time ratio Recombiplastin 0.94 5.07 4.60 Innovin 0.98 2.25 2.22 Thromborel S 1.07 2.37 2.52 Neoplastine CL+ 1.09 7.32 8.76 Thromboplastin C+ 1.50 3.77 7.31

International Normalized Ratio (INR) – Proficiency Tests by ÖQUASTA for the Prothrombin Time

1995 ◽  
Vol 15 (01) ◽  
pp. 41-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Scheer ◽  
B. Moritz ◽  
E. Legenstein ◽  
E. Kaiser ◽  
M. Fischer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Control ◽  
Prothrombin Time ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Sensitivity Index ◽  
Proficiency Tests ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Fresh Plasma ◽  
Value Determination ◽  
International Sensitivity Index

SummaryAlthough the INR (International Normalized Ratio)/ISI (International Sensitivity Index) scheme was introduced by the WHO (13) in 1983 to standardize the PT (prothrombin time) expression, the use of the non-comparable percent of a normal fresh plasma, seconds or PT-ratio (patient plasma/normal plasma) is still common in the coagulation laboratories. The availability of the INR/ISI scheme to monitor quality control of the laboratories in a reagent and method independent manner was examined by the comparison of 13 PT proficiency tests carried out by the ÖQUASTA (Austrian Society of Quality Assurance and Standardization of Diagnostic Medical Investigations).In each proficiency test approximately 250 laboratories had to determine the PT of two to three lyophilized plasma samples with their routinely used reagents and methods. The INR mean values of the AK-plasmas (plasmapools from patients under anticoagulant therapy) were between 2 and 5. The determined data and the calculated INR-values were returned to the ÖQUASTA.According to the INR/ISI scheme, all data should be considered as belonging to the same collective (TC = total collective). To prove this demand, additionally each reagent and method was evaluated separately (SC = single collective). It could be shown that the INR mean values obtained from all data and using TC or SC evaluation are nearly equivalent indicating that the TC evaluation is suitable for use in proficiency tests.The aim of a better comparability of the PT values can not only be reached by the laboratories through the use of the INR/ISI scheme. Additionally, the manufacturer are asked to standardize their ISI and 100% value determination. The manufacturer took this into account by establishing a candidate reference plasma (5).It could be shown that the introduction of the INR was not only an important step forward in terms of standardization and comparability of different thromboplastin reagents, but also in the quality control of the laboratories checked in proficiency tests in Austria.

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