For a patient not taking anticoagulants, what is a normal INR?

The normal International Normalized Ratio (INR) for a patient not taking anticoagulants is typically around 1. This value serves as a standard measure to assess blood coagulation, indicating that the blood has a normal clotting capability.

An INR of 1 suggests that the blood's clotting ability is functioning normally, which is essential for ensuring that bleeding does not occur abnormally while also allowing for necessary clotting in response to injury.

In contrast, values significantly lower than 1 may indicate a higher risk of bleeding, while values above 1 suggest an increased risk of thrombosis or clot formation, particularly if they reach levels like 2 or higher, common in patients on anticoagulation therapy. Therefore, for individuals not on anticoagulants, a reading of 1 accurately reflects normal coagulation status.