Getting INR checked in Madeira (no worries!)

[KayakBoy]

I needed to get my INR checked while on holiday in Madeira recently. My hotel directed me to the Madeira Medical Center (near the cable car in Funchal). The process was simple and best done earlier morning (9 ish) to get a same day result:

1 On the ticket machine in the lobby press button A (for analysis) collect the ticket.

2 if you don’t understand Portuguese ask one of the staff to pronounce the number on your ticket so that you can recognise when the PA system calls your ticket number

3 you will be called to a desk number, if you didn’t catch the number ask a member of staff which desk to go to

4 Go to the desk required and explain you need an INR test done they will need ID (passport of drivers licence) and I also showed my EHIC card. They will issue an invoice (3.29 euros!) which you need to pay and they will then give you a printout and told to wait at the Analysis office.

5 when called show your documents and they will take a veinous blood sample.

6 you will be told to return in the afternoon to collect your result from the desk in the lobby ( you will need to show receipt).

What they don’t do is advise on dosing. But if you are worried you could ask or phone your surgery back in the UK.

What I anticipated might be complicated or difficult was easy and straightforward. The staff were all friendly and efficient and when asked if they spoke English all said “a little” and then went straight to fluent English.

I hope Brexit does not add cost or another layer of complexity to this painless process.

[Ianc2]

A lot cheaper than Spain. I went into a chemist there and had my test done there and then, followed by a smile and a request for 15 euros.