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Does anyone have experience with home usage of an INR monitor. Are they accurate? Do they eliminate the need for lab tests? any brand recommended? or not?
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You can order the same machine as me online. It's VERY easy to use and keeps a memory of all your INR results. It's called the CoaguChek XS. If you don't like ordering online speak to your doctors surgery or nearest hospital, as they could very well order it for you. Mum got my machine through her workplace, and I just went to my doctors surgery when I needed new strips and they were able to order them with their medical supplies. They're not all that cheap (looking at over $895AU, test strips and finger pricks are recurring costs), but if you'll be on coumadin for a long time it'll be worth it. Purchase it here: http://www.towers.net.au/shop.asp?id=2905&action=viewproduct. If the link doesn't take you to the item, hit 'home' and then in the top left-hand search bar type "Coaguchek XS INR Monitoring System Bundle". If you just type Coaguchek XS you'll see the cost of test strips as well.
http://www.coaguchek.com/landing/. Official website to the CoaguChek XS. Any other questions just ask :)
http://dailystrength.org/c/Deep_Vein_Thrombosis_DVT/forum/6085820-vein-vs-finger-prick-inr
Here's a patient newsletter discussing Home INR Monitoring that my organization sent out in Winter 2007 that discusses their use:
http://stoptheclot.org/Newsletters/NATT_Winter_07_Newsletter_Final.pdf
A lot of the Coumadin clinics are now using these machine in lieu of the blood draw; which I'm happy about since I've been doing this since the 90's. The machines can be a little off, especially when your INR is shown as being high (3.7 or greater). A PT/INR will show you are actually lower then that. This may be a manufacturer variance and not something which other machines have problems with.
This past year, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid approved the use of Home INR testing machines for DVT patients. Here is some general information about this along with the link to the CMS article:
http://stoptheclot.org/News/article108.htm
Regards,
Tom in Connecticut
I purchased mine through a distributor call... Tapestry Medical... they have all the forms on line to be downloaded and did all the foot work to get mine covered under insurance. They send a trainer (RN) to you with the machine and sent a DVD to pre-teach as well.
I ask because I'm considering trying to get a home INR machine, and am running into big resistance from my doc. I'm arming myself with as much info as I can in preparation for a battle I do not intend to lose. I would like to present your experiences as well as any other support I can find.
Thanks!