INR test

[MazzyB]

I’m isolating because I’m classed as vulnerable but because of antibiotics I had to go for an INR test when I had to walk through a Doctors surgery and walk past lots of people who we’re stood around waiting! I was told that I had to go as it was a medical procedure? What do people think about this please?

[Hidden]

Technically it is. However, I would have refused to leave because it is a very important test which is related to the prescribed Warfarin and technically you shouldn't continue your warfarin dose without the test which will also determine your next test date.

[CDreamer]

Just been told to attend for blood draw as I am on immune suppressants so will be interested to see how our GP copes with this - considering latest government advice to stay indoors.

How about asking about self testing? You will have to buy the machine yourself but many do, then you won’t have to go to clinic. Alternative - change to a DOAC - no testing.

[MazzyB in reply to CDreamer]

I did ask about self testing or someone visiting me but said no! Thanks

[fairgo45 in reply to CDreamer]

I bought a machine for self testing nearly a year ago as I was fed up with going to have it tested

What a great purchase once I got the hang of it.

I could go on holiday and self test lower it myself before surgery and getting it back into normal range afterwards and now in New Zealand where we are in complete lockdown due to the virus everyone must stay home for 4 weeks so I dont have to worry about my INR

I'm sure BobD will agree it's worth every penny

[Jennyquilt0 in reply to fairgo45]

INR self testing sounds interesting, what machine should I buy and where do I get one?

[fairgo45 in reply to Jennyquilt0]

I got mine from my local pharmacy they also sold the strips which are one use only so a bit pricey I wouldnt risk buying on ebay .

[Gilli54 in reply to Jennyquilt0]

Hi Jenny

Mine was directly from Roche and no VAT but you might need paperwork first to GP to check they will prescribe lancets and strips. Technically you can buy yourself, but strips are £75 for 24. You would also need to attend for three sessions of training at the hospital. I love mine and it is very easy once you get the hang of it. Roche operate a finance scheme interest free over 12 or 24 months. It’s about £12 a month for two years. They provide brilliant customer support too. Not an item to buy second hand unless you could safely sterilise it. Also, you would need brand new lancets and stabber too. Best to go direct to Roche. Xx

[Jennyquilt0 in reply to Gilli54]

Thanks for the info intend contacting GP about it

[MazzyB in reply to Gilli54]

Great thanks 😊

[Wightbaby in reply to fairgo45]

They won't let me here...GP says they don't support it.....Hmm!

Might think differently soon!

[fairgo45 in reply to Wightbaby]

You have every right to buy your own machine and if they dont fund the strips buy them yourself from amazon if neccesary you dont need any ones permission

Mine is also a Roche as well

[123Abc123 in reply to CDreamer]

Problem with changing is that you need to go to the blood clinic at the hospital- they won’t just change your tablets.

[Gilli54 in reply to 123Abc123]

I Nottingham I send my results by email and they adjust my tablets by email later that same day as necessary. They let me know date of next test too. Don’t have to go for another test at the hospital. They take my self-testing results as accurate. I believe I have a yearly appointment to check the machine’s calibration and my testing technique. 😃

[BobD Volunteer]

I had mine Wednesday and only two people there. Only regular INR testing being done and any blood draw for other purposes measn going to hospital. there were ony about four chairs in a waiting room nornally with 16!

[R1100S1 in reply to BobD]

So more people at hospital for blood tests?

When I go for pre chemotherapy tests Friday then I will have more than the usual exposure 😟

[Amigos in reply to R1100S1]

When you are having chemo you don’t have to wait in the waiting room, you go straight in as your immune system will be zero.

[R1100S1 in reply to Amigos]

Unfortunately not case at our 2 hospitals

[MazzyB in reply to R1100S1]

How awful for you! Take care

[MazzyB]

Thanks everyone, when I arrived there was only 2 people there, when I left there was around 10, all stood where I was walking out! No distance at all! Thanks everyone.

[Enjoy]

I have home visit phlebotomist but am now worried she will bring her last patients germs to me. What a silly worry I tell myself.

[MazzyB in reply to Enjoy]

Certain she’d been careful. Thanks

[Gillybean123]

I think bit awkward one really. You can’t get in our doctors at all. Perhaps they should do a private entrance to a private room for this sort of thing.

[MazzyB in reply to Gillybean123]

Thanks, I know someone called Gilly Bean!

[Hatten28]

Hello, I also had to visit the surgery for an blood test, however we were told to. Either stay in your car or wait outside, then we were admitted one at a time through the staff door. Did not come into contact with anyone else.

Our chemist asks us to knock the door an assistant opens the door, takes our temperature before admitting those who had no temperature.

Hope this helps, maybe you could suggest this to your doctors.

[PICCASO in reply to Hatten28]

Hi yes same here have appointment next week at given time and told to wait in my car in car park , 77 and still working lol

[PICCASO]

Hi yes same here have appointment next week at given time and told to wait in my car in car park , 77 and still working lol

[tysylph]

Hi

My GP telephoned last wk and suggested I change from Warfarin to Rivaroxaban so negate the need of Regular INR

[tooh in reply to tysylph]

I was on this horrible drug. Had severe gi bleeds. Told i would die of internal bleed if i continued. Don't take it.

[MazzyB in reply to tooh]

Do you mean warfarin? If so I’m really pleased with it!

[tooh in reply to MazzyB]

No Rivaroxaban (Xaralto)

[mavisrich]

My hisband and I both on warfarin and have asked should I buy testing machine but no advice so far!!! The Dr's here do not like the idea!!!

[Cavalierrubie]

Had my INR tested last week. Chairs in the surgery waiting room all spaced out and a long way from anyone else. All the staff had gloves and face mask on. I went with my disposble gloves on and a scarf around my face. Was careful when I took glove off to be tested, not to touch anything. Nurse very quick no chit chat. Felt safe. I think you just have to be sensible and not hang around. Keep your chin up.

[MazzyB in reply to Cavalierrubie]

That’s how it should be! Thanks

[MazzyB]

Thanks everyone I feel better now.

[Jennifer53]

Im waiting for a CV19 test. I was not allowed to attend my local clinic in a major hospital so my GP took the blood and my husband delivered the vial to the hospital. This took many calls but went ahead without a hiccup. The GPs office was empty as only one person with appointment could attend. Im in Ireland.

[MazzyB in reply to Jennifer53]

Great thanks