Self testing

[Iinca123]

Where can I get a INR self testing kit from? I don't think of GPs will fund it 😏

[Anon75]

Roche Coaguchek £299 in the UK

[Ozchick]

I just bought mine when self testing then sold it when I changed anticoags. The strips are the expensive bits. (Also a Roche Coagucheck)

[Switch81]

I asked my primary doctor to put in a request for one, and he did. My insurance covered everything from the machine to the test strips and lancet. I have the CoaguChek XS. From my experience, many APS patients will try to discourage you from getting a home tester telling you that finger pricks aren't reliable for APS patients; this is only partly true. 1/3 of APS patients get inaccurate readings, while 2/3 of APS patients get reliable results with the finger prick. The key is to do a finger prick and a blood draw within and hour and compare results. The home tester has made my life incredibly easier. I can't even begin to tell you what a blessing it is to have one. Hopefully you will be able to get one!

[Fusch]

I have borrowed one from the Hughes charity - £50 deposit

[kittymum78]

Gosh they are expensive aren't they! I was wondering the same myself as my inr is very erratic and it would be so much easier if I could self check and let my anti coagulant clinic know for dosing, than keep having to make appointments at the surgery for testing.

Those of you who have got them are they worth it?

[Ageingfemale]

Hiya. My nurse at the Anticoag clinic says she will order one and I pay for it and then I just had to check with my gp that they will fund the strips (which they will as long as I don't use them every day !) the Anticoag nurse will then train me on proper useage etc.

[minnime63]

I have just got one on loan from the Hughes Syndrome Foundation. It will give me a chance to check that it works for me before buying one. You must check that your GP will prescribe the strips as they are very expensive. If it works then I'd gladly pay the £299 for one as it'll make life so much easier. One of the suppliers does offer HP but not sure which.

[MaryF Administrator]

You have had some great advice on here, I hope you can get started soon. MaryF

[Manofmendip]

Hi

I have a CoaguChek XS that I no longer use, as I'm on Fragmin not Warfarin nowadays. I am happy to sell it for £100, plus postage.

Please PM me if you would like more details.

Dave

[Ray46]

Will they allow you to use it? It has to be with cooperation of the clinic, otherwise what is the point?

I was told "no facility or support" for self testing in my area. If I buy one, no process for phoning in my own measurements so they can adjust my dose (i.e. they will not do it), and if I adjusted my own dose I risk being treated as "non-compliant" and that leads to all sorts of issues including possibly threatening to withdraw your medication.

[tim47]

I wouldn't be on holiday in Greece now I f I didn't have my own Coaguchek XS. Essential for me at home too. I have to check at least every other day , more so here with the change in diet and a little more alcohol than at home.

[Lure2]

I agree with what is said above.

If I was not allowed to use my own "CoaguChek XS "(used for 4 years now) I could absolutely not be on Warfarin as I have Lupus Anticoagulant-antibodies since 2002 and test every second day.

I doublecheque with the hospital in the vein when I feel for it or when I visit my hospital or doctors for other tests. Usually every two or three months.

We are so spoiled over here in the Stockholm-area that we have got the machine and strips for free (probably a test to compare the REAL costs with anticoagulation).

Kerstin in Stockholm

[Lure2 in reply to Lure2]

That is a lie: we do not have the machine for free in Sweden only the strips but that is good enough I think. I remember I paied a rather great sum for the Roche-machine.

Kerstin

[Hidden]

Hi you are in the UK linca123, please get in touch with me at the HSF charity: [e-mail] as we operate a very small loan scheme for our members.

This is because the machines don't suit everyone - a kind of try before you buy scheme - please read our website in depth to learn more are about the known issue with people who test positive for the LA: hughes-syndrome.org/self-he....

Two things you need to do before you even consider buying the machine:

- make sure you can get the testing strips on prescription otherwise the costs are prohibitive

- check whether your GP or anticoagulation clinic will support you with this.

Best wishes,

Kate

[Inhealthcare in reply to Hidden]

Our free INR self-testing service is available to patients in Durham, Darlington, Isle of Wight, Ilkley, Hull and Wigan. Please help us to spread the word inhealthcare.co.uk/product/... thank you.

[Inhealthcare]

Our INR self-testing service is freely available to patients in Durham, Darlington, Isle of Wight, Hull, Ilkley and Wigan. Help us spread to word and enable self-testing for all warfarin patients inhealthcare.co.uk/product/...