Is 6 wks too long between INR tests?

[Bina]

I am being lab tested every 4 weeks.....doc's nurse forgot to tell me that they will be closed for 2 weeks. Grrrrr. If I get tested at 6 weeks (Fri) and get my results only 5 days later (wed), it will be almost 7 weeks.
I am usually on target with INR of 3.4, but now I am getting nervous, I've never gone longer than 5 weeks.
Should I go to another lab on Monday or wait until Friday

Any and all opinions much appreciated

 

[dick0236]

Until recently I went to a ProTime lab at my cardios practice. If my INR was running consistent, they normally let me go 6 weeks between lab draws.

 

[geebee]

If you have been consistent for some time, you should be fine waiting. I have gone up to 2 months between lab tests when I was traveling (which is why I ended up getting a home monitor).

 

[Bina]

I skipped the broccoli this week....just in case.
We may be getting a bit of snow and rain on Monday so I would really rather stay home than run around for a blood draw. Home testing is looking good!
thanks for the input

 

[Blanche]

Bina:
There are different opinions on how long one should wait between pro-time tests. My husband tested monthly for 10 years with no problems at all.
Now, he tests weekly. He has been pretty stable for the past few months, but there were times when he needed dose adjustments. He has been as low as 1.9 and as high as 7.2. His range is 3.0-4.0 because he suffered two strokes when his INR dropped to 1.6 and 1.8. Perhaps this happens to very few people, but it did happen to him.

Many doctors and patients fear a high INR because of the possibility of bleeding. We are more fearful of low INR readings because of his stroke history. It's been said here that it's easy to replace blood cells but your can't replace brain cells.

Blanche

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I am being lab tested every 4 weeks.....doc's nurse forgot to tell me that they will be closed for 2 weeks. Grrrrr. If I get tested at 6 weeks (Fri) and get my results only 5 days later (wed), it will be almost 7 weeks.
I am usually on target with INR of 3.4, but now I am getting nervous, I've never gone longer than 5 weeks.
Should I go to another lab on Monday or wait until Friday

Any and all opinions much appreciated

What's this NON-SENSE about getting your test results 5 DAYS LATER ??? Is that their usual routine? If so, you need to speak with your Doc about improving the communication delay.

Anything more than the NEXT DAY is (virtually) worthless, especially if they want you to make any CHANGES in dosage. Maybe you should move your regular test day to Wednesday or Thursday at the latest.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[greg]

I've gone 5 to 6 weeks in between tests. It seems to be OK.
However, I agree with Al. Waiting days before getting results is wrong.
I am tested at the local hospital and the results are usually faxed to my Dr. and Cardio within the hour, never more than 2 hours.

 

[sue943]

As mine has been stable for months I have been told my next test is in six weeks. When I started at the warfarin clinic I was told that eventually it could even go to three months if it is really stable. My brother-in-law has been on warfarin for about 20 years and goes every three months. Until now I have been mostly four weeks, sometimes two weeks or even one if it is less stable.

 

[Bina]

Yes, I realize I don't have the ideal set up, but I live in farmland and I take what I can get...In my little town we have a rarity: a modest clinic open 3 days a week.
They have a nurse come in on Fridays to do draws, which are sent to Ottawa.
Those results are returned by phone, fax or mail. Mine are by mail because I have been in range for the past year. If something is wrong, they are "supposed" to phone my doc.
If needed, I can always go to a local hospital for INR testing, but that ER is always a big germ cesspool, and it would take hours anyway.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

It sounds like you would be a good candidate for HOME TESTING if your insurance will cover it or you can afford it in the event that it is not a covered benefit.

Even the delays in sending your blood to Ottawa makes me wonder how well the blood is 'preserved' before it is finally tested. No telling how it is handled, temperature and vibration variation effects etc. Obviously not the best scenario.

Another idea would be to talk to your Doctor about setting up a Finger Stick Tester in HIS office (or at the local clinic)for Coumadin patients. This would give nearly immediate feedback. Note that suspicious readings should be double checked or backed up by a blood draw.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[Marty]

I am being lab tested every 4 weeks.....doc's nurse forgot to tell me that they will be closed for 2 weeks. Grrrrr. If I get tested at 6 weeks (Fri) and get my results only 5 days later (wed), it will be almost 7 weeks.
I am usually on target with INR of 3.4, but now I am getting nervous, I've never gone longer than 5 weeks.
Should I go to another lab on Monday or wait until Friday

Any and all opinions much appreciated

Probably OK in your case. If their have been no changes in your diet, no illnesses, etc.

 

[Bina]

Marty: Right, I have not been sick, no new meds...I should be okay.

Al: Yes, I've been thinking more about home testing; getting up early in the dead of winter to go to the clinic was not much fun at all. On Friday I will also ask the blood nurse if she has any experience with the test sticks. She is more likely to be into this "modern" method.

Sue: I would be really nervous to wait 3 months, but it would be nice!

 

[Guest]

There are people in Ontario who have gotten home testers. Check it out.

 

[Bina]

So, I went this morning for my lab draw....and guess what????

At 6:30 pm my doctor calls with the results.
The lab sent a fax when they discovered I was out of range. I have not been out of range for the past year. I'm only at 3.7 but at least now I know that the lab will indeed fax the doc if needed. What a relief!!
(too bad hubby forgot to buy the broccoli this week)

thankyou all for your input, it's much appreciated.

 

[geebee]

I wouldn't even think of a 3.7 to be out of range. I hope your doctor did not have you make a change in your dosage.

Anyway, happy to hear the 6 weeks between testing was okay for you.

 

[Bina]

Hi Gina,
I agree, the 3.7 is not an issue at all.....I was just so thrilled that the lab actually faxed instead of mailed the result. They have a target range on file for me of 2.5-3.5 and I have been 3.4 for the last 3 months.

I usually take 3 mg every day, so yesterday I took 2 mg....forgot to buy broccoli, I'm low on vit. K foods this week

 

[Ross]

Actually I wouldn't have done anything for 3.7. I'd of kept the same dose and worried if it continued to climb, but I'm willing to bet your next test would have had you back in your normal range.