Observer bias occurs when researchers alter the outcome of a study. This process is not typically deliberate, and involves extremely subtle changes both in the way researchers interact with subjects in the study and in what observers choose to see.
What is an elevated INR? The INR, or International Normalized Ratio, is a measure of how long it takes your blood to clot. A prothrombin time (PT) is a another blood test done to help measure your INR. The higher your PT or INR, the longer your blood takes to clot. An elevated PT or INR means your blood is taking longer to clot than your healthcare provider believes is healthy for you. When your PT or INR is too high, you have an increased risk of bleeding. What increases my risk for an elevated INR?
This amount is then compared to an average to establish your international normalized ratio (INR). It is important that your INR levels are within normal limits. If your ratio is too high, it means it takes longer for your blood to clot and you may have an increased risk for uncontrollable bleeding. If your INR falls below the normal levels, your blood may clot too quickly and increase your risk for a stroke. (Click INR for more details on the specific levels of INR that are considered within a normal range, as well as information on how often this ratio needs to be checked.)