Guest guest Posted November 1, 2003 Report Share Posted November 1, 2003 In a message dated 11/1/2003 10:06:49 PM Eastern Standard Time, leeblack@... writes: have a friend nurse that works for a nurologist. They test INRs using a finger prick and dripping the blood into a small cup that goes into a machine it takes 5 min to have PT and INR results. Does anyone else know about this? It would be better than drawing blood all the time. Sorry for the bad spelling. Lee My cardiologist does this exact blood PTINR finger prick test in his office - I have it done once a month by his nurse-its painless and they squeeze your finger after the pin prick to get a drop of blood -they position your finger so that it drips onto the lens of this small machine and about 1 minute later the display of the machine reads out your pt/inr levels-It certainly beats having blood drawn with a big sharp needle, plus you get instant results and dont wait for the lab results which can take a few days to come back-this way if your levels have changed your doctor can adjust your dosage right away after the test in his office-the machine is as reliable as the blood test and it costs your doctor about $2,500 for the machine-jerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2003 Report Share Posted November 1, 2003 In a message dated 11/1/2003 7:39:07 PM Pacific Standard Time, jerrynmn1@... writes: << They test INRs using a finger prick and dripping the blood into a small cup that goes into a machine it takes 5 min to have PT and INR results. Does anyone else know about this? >> Lee, My brother in permanent afib has his Protime test done in that manner. He really prefers it to the blood draw method. I have chosen to stay with the blood draw method because with my demanding work schedule, it's hard for me to make an appointment in advance, as is required by this finger prick method. I prefer to pop in when I have a few extra minutes. Also, I don't like the idea of pricking my fingertip since I use my fingertips so much for piano playing and typing. I can see the advantages in this new system, though; and I may yet try it. in sinus in Seattle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 In a message dated 11/1/2003 9:39:09 PM Central Standard Time, jerrynmn1@... writes: My cardiologist does this exact blood PTINR finger prick test in his office - I have it done once a month by his nurse-its painless and they squeeze your finger after the pin prick to get a drop of blood -they position your finger so that it drips onto the lens of this small machine and about 1 minute later the display of the machine reads out your pt/inr levels-It certainly beats having blood drawn with a big sharp needle, plus you get instant results and dont wait for the lab results which can take a few days to come back-this way if your levels have changed your doctor can adjust your dosage right away after the test in his office-the machine is as reliable as the blood test and it costs your doctor about $2,500 for the machine-jerry As long as you ALWAYS have your INR determined this way it would probably be all right because your dosage will be determined on that basis alone; however these machines do not always correlate well to the " gold standard " tests done in laboratories. If you switch back and forth you run some risk of have your dosage altered inappropriately. Some folks have suggested that having such a machine at home would be even more convenient, but again it depends on how you always have your test run. As far as doing it at home, however, I must tell you that I am a medical technologist (someone who perform lab tests) and I would be very reluctant to do my own testing at home. Brenta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 In a message dated 11/1/2003 9:06:54 PM Central Standard Time, leeblack@... writes: I have a friend nurse that works for a nurologist. They test INRs using a finger prick and dripping the blood into a small cup that goes into a machine it takes 5 min to have PT and INR results. Does anyone else know about this? It would be better than drawing blood all the time. Sorry for the bad spelling. Lee xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx My PCP office has one of these machines and they used it the first few times I was tested. The last time it was broken or something and they sent me to a lab to have blood drawn. I have gone to the lab since. My cardiologist office manages my INR now and they use the lab exclusively. I wonder if the machine is as accurate. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 Brenta Thanks for the answer on the INR tester. I am glad to find out that there is a medical technician in the group. Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 > I have a friend nurse that works for a nurologist. They test INRs using a finger prick and dripping the blood into a small cup that goes into a machine > it takes 5 min to have PT and INR results. Does anyone else know about this? It would be better than drawing blood all the time. Sorry for the bad spelling. > Lee Hi Lee. My doctor has a fingerstick unit called a coaguchek in his office. It gives fast results. My dr checked my inr w a blood draw and on the coaguchek. they were within a tenth of a point of each othr. Painless. no rolling veins. no more bruises from bloodraws. These machines are so easy to use, they are prescribed for home use. Insurance covers then for folks w/ a mechanical valve. The price is coming down as the competition goes up. I believe there are four brand names out there now. I found one on the net available to doctors for $799, and lined up my own cash deal for one for around $1000. in AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2003 Report Share Posted November 2, 2003 Hi Lee - My doctor has used the finger prick for about 6 months or more now. However, the strips they used had a recall on them a few weeks ago and now we are back to the old drawing blood routine. However, the nurse assured me that new strips would be sent in approximately 1 month. It is so much better than drawing blood. I have a friend who purchased one of the machines and does her INRs at home. That would really be nice. The machine is very expensive. I think she told me it was over $1,000. Ann / Kentucky INR test I have a friend nurse that works for a nurologist. They test INRs using a finger prick and dripping the blood into a small cup that goes into a machine it takes 5 min to have PT and INR results. Does anyone else know about this? It would be better than drawing blood all the time. Sorry for the bad spelling. Lee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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