Acenocoumarolhairmcnt
This test measures the amount of acenocoumarol, a blood-thinning medication, in your hair sample to help monitor long-term drug use.
{"Measures acenocoumarol levels in hair to check medication adherence","Helps doctors understand long-term anticoagulant therapy compliance","Hair testing provides a record of medication use over weeks to months","The test is non-invasive and only requires a small hair sample","Results help healthcare providers optimize anticoagulant dosing"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80120-9
- Short code
- ACEN-HAIR
- Synonyms
- Acenocoumarol Hair-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile hair collection container (paper envelope or plastic bag)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.5
- Ref high
- 2
- Critical range
- 0.3 N/A – 3 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80345 (Therapeutic drug assay; not elsewhere classified)
- SNOMED
- 372729009 (Acenocoumarol measurement)
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 50-100 mg hair (approximately 100-200 strands)
- Stability
- Room temperature: stable for several weeks; Refrigerated (2-8°C): stable for months; Protect from moisture and direct sunlight
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Acenocoumarol Hair Test measures how much acenocoumarol is present in your hair strands. Acenocoumarol is an oral anticoagulant (blood thinner) commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots in conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Unlike blood tests that show medication levels at a single moment, hair testing provides a long-term record of medication use over several weeks or months, as drugs become incorporated into hair as it grows.
Why is this test performed?
This test is primarily used to monitor patient compliance with acenocoumarol therapy. Healthcare providers may order this test if they suspect a patient is not taking their medication as prescribed, or to get a better understanding of long-term medication adherence patterns. It can also be useful in cases of unexplained clotting problems or when adjusting medication doses. Additionally, hair testing can help distinguish between occasional missed doses versus chronic non-compliance.
How is the sample collected?
A small sample of hair, usually about 50-100 strands, is collected from the scalp or other body hair. The sample is typically cut as close to the scalp as possible, as this represents the most recent growth. The procedure is quick, painless, and non-invasive. The hair is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using specialized techniques to measure the acenocoumarol concentration. Results are usually available within a few days to a week.
What do the results mean?
Results are reported as the amount of acenocoumarol per mass of hair (mass/mass). Detectable levels indicate that the patient has been taking acenocoumarol, while very low or undetectable levels may suggest poor compliance or irregular use. The healthcare provider will interpret results in the context of the patient's clinical condition, other lab tests (like INR), and medication history. It is important to discuss your specific results with your doctor, as target levels may vary based on your individual health situation.
Reference range
Therapeutic range: 0.5-2.0 ng/mg hair. Subtherapeutic: <0.5 ng/mg; Supratherapeutic: >2.0 ng/mg. Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and clinical indication.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should disclose acenocoumarol dosage, timing of last dose, and duration of therapy. Inform laboratory of any hair treatments (bleaching, dyeing, perming) that may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does hair color or treatment affect the test results?
How far back in time can this test detect medication use?
Is this test painful?
Can I use hair from other body parts if I don't have scalp hair?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy