This test is used to identify individuals with inherited variants that affect the sensitivity to warfarin. This helps in avoiding an overdose of warfarin which may be life-threatening.
Warfarin is a blood-thinning agent which helps in preventing blood clots. This medicine is given for people who are at increased risk of developing conditions like thrombosis and thromboembolism. Warfarin sensitivity is a condition in which genetic variations like CYP2C9 or VKORC1 genes are likely to increase the average doses of warfarin in the body. This may lead to warfarin overdose and cause toxic symptoms. If the person has warfarin sensitivity based on that the warfarin doses are regulated.
This test may be recommended to you if you are about to receive a blood-thinning agent like warfarin for the first time. This test is also performed when a person has had difficulties with achieving a stable anticoagulant ("blood-thinning") effect or has experienced either excessive blood clotting or bleeding.
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Warfarin Sensitivity Test. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Warfarin Sensitivity Test.
No specific preparation is required for this warfarin sensitivity test.
The normal test results may vary depending on age, health history, medical condition, etc.
The test results can only be interpreted by your doctor. Depending on the test results your doctor will decide whether to give a higher dose or lower dose of warfarin.
Those who have one or more variant CYP2C9 or VKORC1 gene copies are more likely to need a lower or higher dose of warfarin. The amount needed will depend on the number and type of genetic variants present but will also greatly depend upon a person's other factors, including health, age, sex, diet, and other medications.
This test detects only the most common genetic variants in CYP2C9 and VKORC1. A person may have a rare variant, resulting in a negative test result, but may still be more sensitive or resistant to warfarin.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The response of the patient's gene to the drug Warfrin is observed and compared with non-mutated cases |
| UNISEX | All age groups | The response of the patient's gene to the drug Warfrin is observed and compared with non-mutated cases |