What is the therapeutic range for International Normalized Ratio (INR)?

The therapeutic range for International Normalized Ratio (INR) being 2-3 is significant for patients who are on anticoagulant therapy, particularly those being treated for conditions such as atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism. Maintaining the INR within this range helps to balance the risk of thromboembolism against the risk of bleeding. An INR of 2-3 means that blood is clotting at a slower rate, which is desired in the context of preventing clots without elevating the risk of excessive bleeding.

Values above this range, such as 3-4 or higher, would indicate a greater bleeding risk due to excessive anticoagulation, while lower values like 1-2 do not provide sufficient anticoagulation to prevent thrombosis in patients who require this therapy. Therefore, an INR of 2-3 is the target range that is clinically accepted for effective anticoagulation in various conditions.