Do you use a machine to self test your INR level? Ahead of an anticipated update to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on self monitoring, AF Association is eager to speak today with people who have embraced self-monitoring and benefited from this technology.
Please email andrew@heartrhythmalliance.org, or give us a call on 01789 867 527 to learn about how you can support us in spreading the news as far and wide as possible. Thank you.
Hi ectopic1, some people on long term warfarin therapy might opt into self testing their INR to reduce the number of visits they might have to make to the INR/warfarin clinic. We are aware of several different types of models of self-monitoring devices, which need to be purchased but have purchasing plans available. Devices have warranties to safeguard users against any potential faults. Thank you.
I am going down the route at the moment of taking one of the new anti-coags or buying an INR self monitoring machine as I travel a lot. I would therefore be grateful to accept any advice about which machine to buy, reliability etc. Thank you.
I am self testing. I bought my own machine but my strips are on prescription. I ring my readings in to the surgery and they tell me what to do once every 8 weeks. In reality I test once a week and more if I have had a high or low reading. I am not meant to adjust my own dose but in 2 years I have done so 3 times successfully. Because I do this I know I have been in therapeutic range at least 90% of the time and this gives me confidence. My machine is checked against the one at the surgery once a year. If this would be of interest to you let me know and I will email any further info needed.
I self test almost every week. I go to clinic about every 3 months and on that day I always self test too. That way I can compare results and know if machine is working properly.
As has been pointed out here many times the inr testing is not that great in labs/ hospitals etc. so I think the machine is great, gives control and peace of mind.
I have the roache machine and plan to test weekly while abroad, our local doctor refused to prescribe the strips stating safety issues!? and the local herefordshire NHS bunch agree it is not their policy! so far my three test have been close to the clinic test results even though I use a different time of day.
the machine takes some practice and I called Roache three times for help. I intend to take a test just before my next clinic visit for reference.
I self test and calibrate my Coaguchek against a blood draw every 6m. At the last draw, due to confusion at the surgery, they actually took 2 samples which went to different hospitals. They came back as 2.6 and 2.8 with my Coaguchek on 2.7. Looks like the Coaguchek wins on points!
I use a Roche machine and have prescription for strips . Find it very convenient and reassuring beano
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