devices for home self-testing PT or INR

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I don't recall seeing any self-testing devices for PT or INR in client homes, but I read about them - such as Coaguchek, ProTime, Avocet

many people have their own devices for checking blood sugar

does anyone know which devices are considered to be the best for checking PT?

I wrote something but nevermind.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Because it doesnt STAY therapeutic!

Some people are lucky enough to not have to worry - like your boyfriend - but I will tell you he is very much the exception, not the norm.

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Because it doesnt STAY therapeutic!

Some people are lucky enough to not have to worry - like your boyfriend - but I will tell you he is very much the exception, not the norm.

:yeahthat:

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Specializes in Rehab, LTC, Peds, Hospice.

Don't forget bed bound patients. Chronically ill patients often have tons of equipment and need someone to transport them. (Think vent/o2 etc) Someone who gets stuck all the time might not have the best veins either. I am also thinking about how in LTC sometimes the lab misses a patient and you have to call a stat at 6p. Our lab is 45 min away and they travel to other facilities. 'stat' can be a few hours then you call the md who calls in a few hours and give that 8p coumadin at 10 pm - not the best situation! I love it! Technology is so great!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

LOL Kimmie!!!

"Last edited by xkimmie518x : Today at 05:34 PM. Reason: My boyfriend lied to me."

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I've been phoning the drugstores in my area to find out if they know about these devices

some don't carry them

another says they do carry the kits, but the pharmacist is away on maternity leave until the fall, and this is the person who trains re: use of the kits

how do people get the training, is it that difficult to test the finger stick?

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Specializes in UR/PA, Hematology/Oncology, Med Surg, Psych.

I am happy for any device that could increase our patient's compliance with having their INRs checked. Some patient's just don't get it regarding how seriously dangerous Coumadin can be, even when they are educated again and again. They certainly also put us in a pickle when they are generally non-compliant, yet continue to request Coumadin refills. Do you say no and put them at risk of a death from a clot or give the refill and have them possibly hemorrhage to death. Trust me, I have nightmares about them.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

The machines are a bit more difficult to use than a glucometer - for one thing they require more blood, quite a lot more. Some models require that the blood be sucked into a capillary tube which is a feat in and of itself - without bubbles!

Once learned, it is not big deal, but you don't want to burn up expensive supplies learning. The Coaguchecks come with a video or DVD.

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I have had to take coumadin in the past, and it was very nice to be able to test the PT/INR from a fingerstick as opposed to a lab draw. Home health checked it for so long, and when I no longer required them, I had to go to lab draws.

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