Choice of INR Meters

[a4wanman]

Having valve surgery in 2 weeks. Will get a mech valve if my BAV can't be repaired.

If I get a mech valve, I would like to be able to test at home. I will talk to surgeon/cardio if they will sign off to get a meter. Few questions:

Is one meter better than another?

Do you have to wait until your INR stabilizes before the doc OKs the meter?


Scott

 

[Ross]

Right now, you only have 3 choices.
Protime unit by ITC
INRatio by Hemosense
Coaguchek by Roche

Most all of us are using either the INRatio or Coaguchek now. Either one is a great unit. Even the Protime, but it takes the most blood to sample of the 3 (A few drops where the others are only 1)

Some insurance companies mandate that you cannot be covered for it until after X amount of days have passed, 3 months I think it is, but other then that, there are no limitations. Some patients are getting them before they leave the hospital.

No, your INR does not have to be stable at time of purchase. Stable with INR means within your prescribed range. INR is not a constant, so don't look for it to be. It goes up and down all the time, but so long as your between 2.0 and 4.0, your fine.

Two sources for the testers are:
http://www.ptinr.com/data/pages/home-inr-testing.aspx

http://www.inrselftest.com/content/