Availability of fully automated point of care devices has allowed INR monitoring of vitamin K antagonist therapy to be carried out in the community, rather than in hospital-based clinics and laboratories. Some devices are suitable for use by patients to self-test and self-manage their anticoagulant control. This guideline reviews the evidence for safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of patient self-testing (PST) and self-management (PSM), and makes recommendations on training and quality control to ensure PST and PSM are optimised.

Declaration of Interests

The BSH paid the expenses incurred during the writing of this guidance. None of the authors had conflicts of interest to declare. All authors have made a declaration of interests to the BSH and Task Force Chairs which may be viewed on request.