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Acenocoumarolserplmcnc

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

This test measures the amount of acenocoumarol, an anticoagulant medication, in your blood to ensure proper dosing and prevent complications.

Quick summary

{"Acenocoumarol is a blood-thinning medication that prevents dangerous blood clots","Regular monitoring ensures the drug is working effectively and safely","The test helps maintain your INR within the therapeutic range","Proper levels reduce risk of both bleeding and clotting complications","Test frequency depends on your condition and stability of readings"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
35102-3
Short code
ACEN
Synonyms
Acenocoumarol SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or EDTA plasma tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.5
Ref high
2
Critical range
— – 5 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
CPT
80299
SNOMED
385058006
Specimen volume
2-5 mL of serum or plasma
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Protect from light.
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The acenocoumarol blood test measures the concentration of acenocoumarol in your serum or plasma. Acenocoumarol is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) medication that belongs to a class of drugs called vitamin K antagonists. This test is a type of therapeutic drug monitoring, which means it checks whether the amount of medication in your blood is within the optimal range for preventing blood clots while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications.

Why is this test performed?

Your healthcare provider orders this test to monitor your response to acenocoumarol therapy. The goal is to maintain what's called a therapeutic range, which is typically measured by your INR (International Normalized Ratio). If your acenocoumarol level is too low, you may be at risk for developing blood clots. If it's too high, you may be at risk for excessive bleeding. Regular testing helps your doctor adjust your dosage to find the right balance for your specific situation.

What conditions are treated with acenocoumarol?

Acenocoumarol is prescribed to prevent and treat blood clots in conditions such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, heart valve replacement, and certain types of stroke prevention. It is commonly used in many countries outside the United States, where warfarin is more frequently prescribed.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results are typically reported as a concentration (mass/volume) in your serum or plasma. Your doctor will interpret these results along with your INR values to determine if your current dosage is appropriate.

Reference range

Therapeutic range: 0.5-2.0 mcg/mL. Target INR range for acenocoumarol therapy is typically 2.0-3.0. Drug concentrations should be interpreted in conjunction with INR results and clinical context.N/A

Specimen: serum

Collect sample immediately before next scheduled dose (trough level) for accurate therapeutic drug monitoring. Inform laboratory of dose timing and last intake. No fasting required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings2

Frequently asked questions

What is a therapeutic INR range?
The therapeutic INR range depends on your specific condition. For most conditions like atrial fibrillation or DVT, the target range is typically 2.0-3.0. For patients with mechanical heart valves, the target may be higher (2.5-3.5). Your doctor will determine your individual target range.
How often do I need this test?
Testing frequency depends on your individual situation. When you first start taking acenocoumarol, testing may be done every few days until you reach a stable dose. Once stable, testing may be weekly, then biweekly, and eventually monthly. However, any change in your condition, medication, or diet may require more frequent testing.
What can affect my acenocoumarol levels?
Many factors can affect acenocoumarol levels, including: changes in diet (especially vitamin K intake from leafy greens), other medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), alcohol consumption, illness, changes in weight, and kidney or liver function. Always inform your healthcare provider about any changes in these factors.
What should I do if my levels are too high or too low?
Never adjust your medication dose on your own. If your test results are outside the therapeutic range, contact your healthcare provider. They will evaluate the results and may adjust your dosage. If your levels are dangerously high, you may need immediate medical attention to prevent bleeding complications.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Typically, fasting is not required for this test. However, follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or testing facility. It's important to maintain your regular diet and medication schedule before the test to get accurate results that reflect your usual situation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Blood ThinnersSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Warfarin TherapySource
  3. 3
    UpToDate - Anticoagulant TherapySource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy