Anticoagulation Machine

[Sue63]

Hi I'm having to go to self testing and I have to purchase or rent a machine this is due to my need for a high INR , could anybody help or give me some advice please, many thanks.

[Lure2]

Hi,

I use CoaguChek XS from Roche here in Sweden. I have seen many members have that machine.

Are you Lupus Anticoagulant (one of the three antibodies they test for Hughes Syndrome/APS) ? Sometimes it can be differences between the vein test at the hospital lab and the fingerpricktest on your machine. You have to do doubletest several times to see if the difference is the same every time.

Good Luck!

Best wishes from Kerstin in Stockholm

[MaryF Administrator]

I think I would be temped to rent for a while to see how I got on, is your local area going to fund your testing strips? I wish you all the best with this new venture. MaryF

[Fusch]

The aps charity can loan out machines for a trial, before you invest

[Sue63 in reply to Fusch]

Thank you sorry to ask a silly question but which APS charity in particular as there are foundations etc. So great full for your help thanks.

[Fusch]

aps-support.org.uk

Contact them to ask them, I had to join and pay a deposit then I was lent one, very helpful

[Sue63]

Thank you so much for your help I cannot thank you enough.

[Mancoca]

Hi Sue,

I actually just purchased a used CoaguChex XS ($250) this morning off of eBay, another eBay purchase for new 48 test strips($149) and found the best deal for the finger sticks (200 pack, $10) on amazon all for a total of $409. All three sellers offered free shipping and there was zero tax. The monitor even has the case for it, just not the literature which is fine as I found the online tutorials from Roche's website.

There were several people selling monitors, new & used, on eBay so it just took some time and patience to look for the best quality and deal. Just be sure to check the expire date on the test strips before you purchase.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Karin aka Mancoca, my long ago best buddy dog

[Sue63]

Thank you so much I had not thought of ebay, I will have a look as soon as I can .

[Holley]

As mentioned earlier, Lupus Anticoagulant can interfere with the test results with the home machines. I speak from personal experience. I live in the states and had to front the cost of a machine while I waited for my insurance to reimburse. I brought my machine to the lab with me and tested at the same time. I got wildly inaccurate, inconsistent readings on the machine. My hematologist contacted the manufacturer and learned that my lupus anticoagulant interfered with the reagent used in the machine. I sent the machine back since I couldn't get reliable results. I know there are many people on here who test successfully. I'd highly suggest you rent or try a machine out before investing a lot of money.

[Mancoca in reply to Holley]

Great advice!

[Sue63]

Hi I'm in the UK and I can't afford the testing strips, getting the machine is expensive but without a prescription for the strips its impossible for me to afford...

[Mancoca in reply to Sue63]

Maybe you could reach out to your community to anyone whose relative once tested and now they have left over supplies...?