Grrrrr! Lab tech costs me a test strip!

[catwoman]

I had my annual physical last week and took my INRatio with me to get a comparison reading.
The lab tech in his office looked at the machine and couldn't make heads or tails of it. I was prepared to run my own test on my own machine, but she jumped right in and decided SHE would run the test, even though she was unfamiliar with the machine.
It cost me a test strip because she screwed up on the test sample. She insisted on bringing the machine up to my pricked finger (seems that's the only way she can get the blood sample on the strip even on a CoaguChek). Luckily, I brought an extra strip and was able to keep her from screwing up the 2nd strip.

Luckily, that strip only set me back $4.77. If I ever take my INRatio to the PCP's office again, I will demand to be able to complete my own test on my own machine. This is the 2nd time I've taken in an INR tester and both times the lab tech insisted on running the test on my own machine after doing one on the clinic's CoaguChek.

(PCP's CoaguChek: 2.4; IRAtio: 2.2, so that's pretty close.)

Yes, my INR was low. It's been yo-yoing some lately, so I've bumped up my dosage from 5.5X4 + 5X3 to 5.5X7. May need to bump it up a little after I retest Tuesday or Wednesday.

I had been traveling some, which could account for an out-of-range INR. It's usually about 3.0-3.5.

 

[Bina]

I agree...........Grrrrrr.........NOBODY touches my CoaguchekXS.

 

[ChouDoufu]

but she jumped right in and decided SHE would run the test, even though she was unfamiliar with the machine.

no. that is not acceptable. next time refuse. just say no.
if the tech argues, explain she wants to get a valid comparison, and ask
whether she's going to come to your home and test you each time.

 

[catwoman]

no. that is not acceptable. next time refuse. just say no.
if the tech argues, explain she wants to get a valid comparison, and ask
whether she's going to come to your home and test you each time.

I like that response.

Actually, I think I'll just say that it's MY machine and no one touches my machine except for me and I'll quote them how much the machine cost -- much more than their CoaguChek.

 

[Ross]

I'll never understand why they insist on comparing apples and oranges.

 

[njean]

Grrrr....I feel your frustration! That was pure non-sense that the tech demanded to do the test instead of you & ruin a perfectly good test strip in the process. Did she offer to pay for it? Bet not!

Anyway, hope you get your INR back into range again & take care!

 

[Herb M]

To make a proper comparison, the test should be with you doing it as you usually do it. It is not a valid comparison when someone else is testing you on your machine.

 

[Eva]

I would not have allowed them to touch it!! it is yours!! You could have tested on yours and she could have used theirs to test you, if they use the same machine.

My surgeon recommended that once I receive my machine, take it to my cardio who uses the same kind, and we both do the test at the same time just to compare my cardio's to mine in order to give a clear picture when I tell him what the results are...it makes sense to me. I hope will get the same results! Will see!

 

[Ross]

I would not have allowed them to touch it!! it is yours!! You could have tested on yours and she could have used theirs to test you, if they use the same machine.

My surgeon recommended that once I receive my machine, take it to my cardio who uses the same kind, and we both do the test at the same time just to compare my cardio's to mine in order to give a clear picture when I tell him what the results are...it makes sense to me. I hope will get the same results! Will see!

And even then, to be absolutely sure, you have to both be using the same strips from the same batch.

 

[Eva]

And even then, to be absolutely sure, you have to both be using the same strips from the same batch.

I did not know that. Thanks, Ross. In this case, I shall 'demand' they use their strips!!

 

[catwoman]

I'll never understand why they insist on comparing apples and oranges.

I wouldn't consider running 2 tests side by side on an INRatio and a CoaguChek really comparing apples to oranges.
And since the INRs were only 0.2 different, that was all I wanted to find out -- the variance between the two machines. My ProTime 3 had more variance.

I will guard my INRatio with my life if I ever need to take it to my PCP's office again. I was irritated not just that the tech commandeered the test out of my control, but also by her attitude. She had a holier-than-thou, condescending attitude -- like "I am a Coumadin expert and you're only the patient."

 

[Tbone]

Maybe they will accept a bill from you. Of course you would have to charge a handaling fee like they do to you. What would that be $39.95?

 

[catwoman]

Maybe they will accept a bill from you. Of course you would have to charge a handaling fee like they do to you. What would that be $39.95?

How about a mere $1 million? By the time it goes through the health care system's offices, it'll get knocked down to $4.77, my cost.

 

[Tbone]

Well you make a good point. I bow to your knowledge

 

[Marty]

I wouldn't consider running 2 tests side by side on an INRatio and a CoaguChek really comparing apples to oranges.
And since the INRs were only 0.2 different, that was all I wanted to find out -- the variance between the two machines. My ProTime 3 had more variance.

I will guard my INRatio with my life if I ever need to take it to my PCP's office again. I was irritated not just that the tech commandeered the test out of my control, but also by her attitude. She had a holier-than-thou, condescending attitude -- like "I am a Coumadin expert and you're only the patient."

MARSHA, One of the things that will give you an "error" message is moving the monitor while it is calculating. Once that drop of blood goes on the strip don't touch monitor.