INR and self monitoring and access to test strips in the UK

[Tillyclot]

Are you a self - tester and been advised that you can no longer have the test strips prescribed or told you must attend a clinic setting either in the community or at a hospital. Interested if there has been any disruptions for self testers before and during Covid 19

If you would like to share your experience, ACUK would be pleased to hear from you on HU or if you prefer, email directly to [e-mail]

[Kempsh0tt]

I guess the positive in this reply is that I have not (as yet!) received any communication from either the surgery or CCG bringing an end to NHS cost-covered Coaguchek testing strips.

You will however see there are related topics on here going as far back as 7 years. So not a new scenario.

As for attending clinics in lieu of submitting INR self test results that seems a crazy non-starter of an idea in the current pandemic skewed environment.

In my case here in North Hampshire, I self test (usually every 4 to 6 weeks, occasionally shorter periods if I fall out of therapeutic range). I then email result to the local anticoagulation clinic. Within 24/48 hours I will get an email back advising any changes to dosage and with a date for the next test. This info is accessible/used by the surgery/GP including when repeat meds are requested (also electronically).

I hope that helps. We really do need to bring an end to the post code lottery scenario, not helped by us currently having 135 CCGs across England - this figure after a level of merging! Good luck! TC

[ClickerTicker]

I'm a self-tester - since about 2004 (ish). Last asked for and received "Coaguchek Xs Pt Test strips 04625358" in mid-May. They are on my repeat prescription list so easy to order.

I am probably slightly unusual in that I also self-dose. That way I may well fly under the radar of the local coag clinic system.

I'm in the West Hampshire CCG. Typically testing weekly as my INR is very diet dependant and goes out of range easily.

Totally agree that in the current climate it would be bonkers to push even more people to physically attend NHS premises. The 24 strip pot seems to retail for £90 ish, I'd reluctantly pay the £4 a test to avoid travel and pain - but there's no doubt I would bitch about it considerably!

[Inchcock]

I'm not on self-strips yet. But the very thought of struggling to the hospital (A bus and tram each way, and with so many anit-maskers on the public transport its worrying) to the clinic for tests, is daunting. After going on Warfarin after the ticker replacement, the getting Peripheral neuropathy, then a stroke, put under the Falls Team, the thought of losing the Vampire nurses calling, scares me. But I have heard from other residents in the IL (Independent Living) flats here I reside, that they have been warned of such future changes. I hope you cope alright, all the best.