Home blood testing.

[George2467814]

Hi everyone...just a point I am on Warfarin about 4 years....surgery visits for INR tests more frequent of late due to variable readings.....thought of doing my own testing how is this done ...what kit do you need to buy...and from where please...thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi George....Ive been self testing for a few years now. The kit I use is called Coaguchek which I bought from Roche pharmaceuticals. You can see details online. I paid £300 . I think the price is still the same.

Firstly though speak to your GP to ascertain that he is happy for you to self test. Also whether your practice will provide prescriptions for the test strip. These come in packs of 24 and are quite pricey at about £60. Some health authorities will not authorise.You may be prepared to pay for these yourself in that case. I live in West Sussex and mine are available on prescription.

Once you get set up and with a little bit of practice you'll find it so convenient.

Sandra

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yeah! I agree Sandra. When I was first diagnosed and put on Warfarin my surgery in Dorking, Surrey was totally supportive, provided training, test strips on NHS, and regular checking the readings on my device compared to the surgery device. When I retired and moved to Cornwall the first surgery I registered with was totally unsupportive. In the end I checked around and found one that took me on and had its own INR clinic and they too have been every bit as good as the Dorking surgery.

John

[Hidden]

I agree with Sandra! I use mine wherever I am and even take it to Australia when I go visiting my family. It is just so liberating. The key to it is to get a surgery that will totally support you. Suggest you go onto Roche Pharmaceutical website and search for Coaguchek XS. You could also 'Google' INR STAR for more information.

John

[MarkS]

My Coaguchek is the best thing I've ever bought!

[Mike11]

I was on warfarin for 6 years until the point and was fairly stable at 4mg most days but then it became unstable and I was visiting the clinic almost weekly so I changed to apixaban which doesn't require testing.

[Dodie117]

I too self tested with coaguchek machine and got strips on prescription. Have you considered moving to a NOAC which does not require testing. I am now on apixaban and it is a lot easier to manage - no testing and eat as much greens as you like. You do need blood test annually (or every 6 months) to check kidney function.

[George2467814]

Thank you all for your kind and helpful replies will discuss with GP shortly and then decide...Thank you again.

[opal11uk]

Hi George, I have been home testing for several years, bought the testing kit, getting a voucher from doctors surgery worth £100, so cost me £200 plus then the accessories on prescription as and when needed. The kit I use is called Coaguchek from Roche which is acceptable by the NHS and saves me sitting every 2 weeks in a clinic waiting for a test I just ring my surgery with the results.

[George2467814 in reply to opal11uk]

May thanks.

[GrannySmithgs5]

My daughter has one on loan from local hospital . Gp provided prescription for test strips .