problems using INRatio machine

berube · May 30, 2010

I seem to have so much trouble using these machines. I get the blood and get it on the strip but I have a lot of problem getting the test to actually run. It always says there is not enough blood... Any ideas?[/quote
are you getting a large drop of blood on the center of the strip where the green light is? i have found these machines great but very sensitive, make sure the machine is on a flat surface and does not move once it is turn on, put the strip in and either bring the patients finger to the strip or use a pippette, don't pick it up like you can a glucometer.:)

cathrn64 · May 31, 2010

I have also had problems with this machine. You have to get the drop of blood right on the green light in the middle. I have found holding the machine at a slight angle, and aiming slightly over the top of the green light works. (my agency is actually having a rep from the company come for an inservice next week due to everyone's problems with this machine. I will let you know if I learn anything new)

DriBak · May 31, 2010

Ditto on the pipette

spejsa · Jun 1, 2010

I don't think my agency has pipettes... Do you think a lab at a hospital might give them to me?

anticoagulationurse · Jun 1, 2010

I much prefer the Coaguchek machine to the INRatio machine. You can move the Coaguchek machine all around, which makes getting the blood sample easier. Also, the test strip sort of has a vacuum effect and if you have a nice fat 10microliter drop it will suck in just the right amount for the test, rather than you having to drop it on the bullseye! Love it. That being said, not many of us have a choice as our agency has purchased the machines...

The best tip I can think of (besides the pipette which I suck at and never use), is make a nice pendulous drop of blood not a smeared blob of it if you can. It takes some finesse.

tewdles, RN · Jun 1, 2010

My experience with the INR machine is as posted by others....it MUST be flat and unmoved after turn on if you want it to work...you MUST have a big ol hanging drop of blood and a pipette works well to control this aspect (yes local labs will give you a few).

cathrn64 · Jun 3, 2010

My agency just had a rep from the InRatio company in for an inservice. I learned that the strip has a static area on it which keeps the blood in place, (but can also repel it, which is what happens to me!)

He said if you have a hanging drop, you do not have to let it drop, you can touch it to the "green means go" (his words) light and as long as you cover the light you will have enough.

InRatio has pipettes which he said cost about a penny apiece. He demonstrated that you do not squeeze the pipette, but place it at the drop of blood and allow the capillary action to suck up the blood to the black line. You will than have the exact amount for the test.