Which parameter is crucial for monitoring the efficacy of anticoagulation therapy in a patient receiving warfarin?

Monitoring the efficacy of anticoagulation therapy in patients receiving warfarin is primarily done through the International Normalized Ratio (INR). Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and its effectiveness is gauged by the INR, which standardizes prothrombin time across different laboratories. The INR provides a reliable measure of how long it takes blood to clot compared to a normal range, allowing healthcare providers to adjust warfarin dosages to maintain the desired level of anticoagulation.

The INR is critical because it accounts for variations in testing methods and allows for consistent communication of results among different healthcare providers. Maintaining an appropriate INR range is essential to ensure therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications. Thus, when monitoring a patient receiving warfarin, the INR becomes the primary parameter to guide treatment decisions and ensure safe and effective anticoagulation therapy.