Anyone Bought An INR Home Testing Machine?

ilikebargains

frugalstephen wrote: »

In short, yes they can hold this decision. However, depending on your circumstances, you may present a valid argument for them to change it. For instance, 12 strips will give you a test result once a month - how many times and how frequently do you get tested now? Are your results usually fairly stable without much change in your Warfarin prescription?

I'm fortunate in that my GP will issue as many strips as needed, but to be honest, I've been fairly stable now for a while, so only really test every 3 or 4 weeks. Last time I checked, the strips for my machine (AlereINRatio) were around £4 each, I'm guessing the Coagucheck would be something similar.

Not sure if that's any help or not? (probably not!)

My INR level is not stable. I am having my INR tested weekly or two weeks. When doctor informs that my level is stable and gives a month for the tests my INR level is quiet high. That's why I wanted tp purchase the INR check so I can do it myself weekly.

As you said you are quiet lucky that your doctor doesn't provide any strip restriction.

In my case it could be that the surgery itself is liable for cost.

panay2202

Hi pp and others
just bought the xs system for £299 from the roche site
some needles and 6 strips come with it.
Special offer for uk and roi.
Also good news for people with a good gp??
The tabs and needles can be obtained on the nhs.
I am 62 and have no problem using this system--i am also computer literate and build my own systems.
So please no ageism??
Regards to all

frugalstephen

You'll find no ageism here... I've been around long, long before windows 3.1 was released!

Glad you find home testing is agreeable to you, and that you bought the superior Coaguchek system - well done.

I just took my INR this morning with my inferior Alere machine and was reminded yet again of my poor choice!

Hope it all continues well for you, and welcome to the forum...

Glenforde

Thank you for all the useful information. I will have to check what my local health trust/panel/board/co-operative can do for my INR testing.

Cherryscone

The cougacheck is now £299 .

Linda_Fidele

Hi I have been looking at buying a Coagu check machine. You can get them direct from coague check website for £300. I have Been on warfarin for 30 years now. I spoke to my surgeries practice manager today and she told me there is a new system for inr testing coming in the future. So hang on. We might save ourselves some money.

When I find out I will send another post or alternatively, speak to your doctor.

Best wishes to all on warfarin.

frugalstephen

Would be very interested in a 'new' system for testing INR. Have been using my Alere INR machine for 2 years now. A simple finger stab to release a blood sample, then drop it onto the test strip - result in moments. Hard to see how it could get any easier, but will await with baited breath...

streaky10

I fell upon this thread after a search as i no longer have enough faith in the health system to care enough about my health! I have been told i am now on warfrin for life after a dvt and pe's just over 6 months ago. They were originaly diagnosed by my gp's as a pulled calf muscle and pleurisy!!
So i suppose its little wonder now that i have little trust left
In the medical profession. My inr is all over the placr and can go from 3.1 to 2.1 in a week. I have had so much conflicting instruction sefrom gp, specialist, nurses i dont know who to believe but i have quickly learned to listen to what my body is telling me. Specialist says if inr drops below 2 to go on clexane jabs, gp and anico nurse says don't! Nurse says wear compression stocking, gp and other specialist says don't!
I know when my inr isn't right i don't feel well and i have problems with the leg i had dvt in but according to the doc its in mu head! But usualy when i get my results my inr is way out but he the anti clinic are reluctant to do another test until it is due. Hence why i am so desperate yo self test. Its peice of mind, and an early warning system so i am seriously looking into this. Will be discussing it with gp and haemotoligist when i see him at end of month so i'l tske the info off here with me and see what they come up with.

mackeroo

Hi Streaky
I was interested in reading your post. Like you I am on medication for rest of life however due to my INR being all over the place for 2 years when i had my review with the consultant he agreed that i shouldnt have to be attending the surgery for weekly blood tests for rest of life so he prescribed me Rivaroxoban instead of warfarin. Its brillant. I only have to take 1 tablet once a day and the best bit is....you NEVER have to get your bloods checked as the research proves that it does its job of thinning your blood. You may want to read up on this more before your meeting with the consultant. Good luck

David_Sears

zztopgirl wrote: »

Plus dont forget that moneysaving pharmacist said you can get the test strips on prescription, so you only have to make a one-off payment for the machine.:j

This is not strictly true. You can ONLY get the test strips on prescription if your local health board supports anticoag self-testing and allows its GPs to prescribe the strips. For example, the only health board in Scotland that supports anticoag self-testing is Greater Glasgow and Clyde - and then only for young people under eighteen. At the time of writing - January 2014 - adult self-testing of INR levels is not supported by any health board in Scotland. Therefore, I recommend that you check your local health board's policy in this regard before buying a machine, as you may find you will have to buy the strips yourself on an ongoing basis. And, as we've heard, the strips are very expensive.