INR Testing and Travel in Europe

[mcc]

I will be going to Europe for a holiday in July and was wondering has anyone else been there for INR testing and if so what were the conditions like and how much hassle was getting tested I will be travelling in both the UK and mainland Europe. The UK doesn't worry me so much more the Europe leg. Probably look at getting tested in Corfu

 

[Valve-Viking]

Hi Mark!

I have been tested in Europe quite a lot and the main reason
is.......... I live here(Sweden). You will have no problems getting
the test done, but I do suggest you to use the Internet to
locate a hospital/clinic prior to your planned date of testing.
I have had INR-tests all over the world and it´s never been
any trouble anywhere.

Have a nice time!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Hello Mark,

To my mind, the BEST solution is to obtain one of the Home Test Units and take it with you. That way you can test WHENEVER and WHEREVER you wish.

Contact QAS (sponsors of this website) about options. I believe there are at least 4 different makers of INR Test instruments now that all use simple finger stick sample collection.

'AL'

 

[catwoman]

Mark:

I agree with Al -- get a home test machine. Saw from your profile that you live in Tasmania, Australia. Does Australian law allow home testing of INR? In the U.S., we can get them with a physician's Rx. You have to have been anticoagulated for 3 months, be trained by an RN, etc. These machines are small enough and light enough to travel in a rollerboard; I would definitely NOT put it in checked luggage.

Otherwise, how would your insurance cover lab test claims from overseas? Is your insurance government or private?

 

[Les]

Mark,
How often are you currently testing and how long will you be in Europe? The hassle may not be necessary unless you are required to test in less time than you will be away from home. Be as consistent with your diet as possible and just relax and enjoy the trip!

 

[Guest]

Australia does allow home testing. I sold one of my books to a guy who was learning to self-test.

 

[Marty]

Don't worry about Germany/Austria. They have competent labs. They also have over 80,000 self testers and self dosers. I'm pretty sure the Roche Coaguchek is German first marketed by one of their companies. I have talked to German and Austrian doctors. They do not like to be bothered mamaging warfarin dosage.

 

[GregB]

Self test In Australia

Self test In Australia

Crikey!
I hope it is legal to self test in Australia. I have been doing it for over a year now!
Greg

 

[GregB]

Self test

Self test

Mark,
I notice you too have an ATS valve. Don't seem to hear of them too often. Who was your surgeon?

I noted that a couple of people suggested self testing. I have been using a Coaguchek machine for a while now. My doctors all seem fine with it.

If you feel you want to move to self testing at some point in the future contact you might like to contact me and I will be able to link you with the guy who supplied mine.
Greg

 

[Guest]

It is not that self-testing is illegal. Some countries may not have approved the testers for sale to individuals.

 

[mcc]

Thanks all for the information. As we in Aus don't get help to buy the machines from the insurance company I think I'll stick to the needle and doctor warfrain test

 

[Guest]

They must use a lot of CoaguChek machines in Australia because the boxes I get have addresses for Germany, US and Australia on them.

 

[Marty]

A company named Boehringer-Mannheim developed the Coaguchek.For quite a while, self testing was mainly a German thing.