Medication Review
We review your medicines before the procedure.
Individual Assessment
Bleeding and clotting risks are considered together.
Clear Instructions
You will receive preparation advice specific to you.
MEDICATION GUIDANCE
What You Need to Know
Stopping blood-thinning medication can carry its own risks. Our team balances the procedure, the medicine and your individual circumstances.
Please do not stop any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication unless specifically instructed by IMPACT Radiology or your treating doctor.
Most Procedures Do Not Require Medication to Be Stopped
The majority of image-guided procedures performed at IMPACT Radiology are minimally invasive and can be safely performed without stopping anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication.
Where possible, we aim to avoid unnecessary interruption of anticoagulation, recognising that stopping these medications may itself carry important health risks.
For procedures where there is a higher risk of bleeding, our radiologist will assess the procedure and your individual circumstances and advise whether any temporary change is required.
Please do not stop any anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication unless specifically instructed by IMPACT Radiology or your treating doctor.
Medications We Need to Know About
Please tell us if you take any blood-thinning or antiplatelet medication, including:
- Warfarin (Coumadin®, Marevan®)
- Apixaban (Eliquis®)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®)
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa®)
- Edoxaban (Lixiana®)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix®, Iscover®)
- Prasugrel (Effient®)
- Ticagrelor (Brilinta®)
- Aspirin
- Heparin
- Low-molecular-weight heparin, such as enoxaparin (Clexane®)
- Any other medication prescribed to prevent blood clots.
Please also advise us if you have a bleeding disorder, low platelet count, significant liver disease, or a previous history of excessive bleeding following a procedure.
Do I Need to Stop My Medication?
In most cases, no.
Many procedures performed at IMPACT Radiology are minimally invasive and have a low risk of significant bleeding. These procedures can often be performed while anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy is continued.
For certain procedures, temporary interruption or modification of treatment may be necessary. The decision depends on:
- the type and location of the procedure;
- the expected risk of bleeding;
- the particular medication and dose;
- kidney and liver function;
- the reason you are taking the medication; and
- your individual risk of developing a blood clot if treatment is interrupted.
The decision is made individually for each patient and each procedure.
Before Your Procedure
When booking your procedure, please tell us:
- The name and dose of your blood-thinning medication
- How often you take it
- Why you are taking it
- The time and date of your most recent dose
Depending on the procedure and medication, we may also require recent blood tests, such as a platelet count and/or INR.
If alteration of anticoagulation is required, IMPACT Radiology may discuss this with your referring doctor, GP, cardiologist, haematologist or other treating specialist before proceeding.
Do Not Change Your Medication Without Advice
Do not stop your anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication simply because you have been referred for an image-guided procedure.
For most procedures performed at IMPACT Radiology, anticoagulation does not need to be interrupted. Where a change is necessary, we will provide specific instructions appropriate to your procedure and circumstances.
Stopping anticoagulation unnecessarily may expose some patients to serious complications, including thrombosis or stroke.
PLEASE NOTE
Important Notice — IMPACT Radiology Patients Only
Please Read Before Your Procedure
This information applies specifically to patients undergoing image-guided procedures at IMPACT Radiology.
It reflects the procedural practices and clinical considerations used by IMPACT Radiology and is provided to assist our patients in preparing for procedures performed at our clinic.
This information should not be used as a reference, anticoagulation protocol or preparation guide for procedures performed at another radiology practice, hospital or healthcare facility.
Anticoagulation requirements and procedural protocols may differ between healthcare providers. If your procedure is being performed elsewhere, follow the instructions provided by that facility.
This information is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. Never commence, cease or alter anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication without specific medical advice.
