INRatio Home Tester

[geebee]

Just wanted to give everyone considering an INRatio home tester a tip from someone who just started using it.
One of the problems many folks have (including Ross as stated in his review) is getting the blood drop to go into the test well. I was having that same problem. I decided to try the capillary tubes ($10 for 50, 15uL MicroSafe tubes) to have better control over where the blood goes.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!
These tubes work like a charm. The blood is sucked right into them like a vampire and you can place the blood right into the well.
I have not had a wasted test strip since I got the tubes.
So, if you are getting an INRatio tester, order the capillary tubes with it. You will not be sorry.
BTW - I get no commission from QAS on the sale of capillary tubes
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Ross]

I may have to break down one day soon.

 

[catwoman]

Ross:

I thought you had already broken down....

 

[geebee]

Ross,
If by meaning break down and try the tubes, don't wait. They are so very easy and really don't add any time to the process because you don't have to watch to see the blood going anywhere but in the hole. I did have some success in using the INRatio without the tubes but using the tubes have made it a flawless system. It is truly a sports car model of the testers.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Krista]

home testing

home testing

Hi,
How long have you been home testing? I got some information from the same place that you get your supplies, infact they are the ones who told me about this site. I am working on getting more info on the self testing and seeing if my insurance will pay for it. Oh course I have to convince my doctor to let me test at home...Krista

 

[geebee]

I am very new to home testing. I started about 2 weeks ago. I am sorry I didn't do this earlier but I just never got around to it.
My doctor didn't have any problems with me home testing. I do a fair amount of traveling and having a tester I could take with me and not worry about labs was the biggest reason I decided on it.
Both UHC (with which I had COBRA coverage) and Anthem Blue Cross (which I now have with my current employer) covers home testing. In fact, I had started the process with UHC but the approval process took so long I was on the Anthem plan by the time the approval came through. I had to start the process over and finally got the approval.
The stipulation for coverage was a need for long term anti-coagulation and a requirement for weekly testing. Although I usually tested once or twice per month, I would occaisionally need to test weekly if my level was off. Therefore my doctor felt comfortable with signing a need for weekly testing. In addition, it helps if access to a lab is an issue (i.e. distance, work hours or travel are among those reasons).
QAS handled the approval process with my insurance companies and were very gracious when they found out the approval from UHC was no longer valid. They started the process all over again with Anthem. The only thing I had to do was get the form filled out & signed by my cardio.
Hope this helps.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Toronto Guy]

What's the cost of INRatio? Meter

What's the cost of INRatio? Meter

The INRatio? Meter is not represented in Canada

Can anyone tell me what the purchase price
and what are the ongoing operating cost of that unit?

Phil

 

[geebee]

Phil,
Here is the link to QAS for the INRatio and the supplies. Hope this helps.

http://www.shopqas.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=24&idproduct=143

Smiles,
Gina

 

[Ross]

I've been testing for one whole year now. Weeeeee

My Cardiologist was very supportive. I'm on Oxygen 24/7/365 and before, I had to drive to his clinic at the hospital, park the car, walk to the building, go to the 6th floor and take another long walk to his office. Too much! He signed off on it for me with no problems.

 

[Karlynn]

My insurance paid for my ProTime machine. But I think companies will cut a deal with those who's insurance won't cover it.

 

[Marty]

Yea! Capillary Tubes !

Yea! Capillary Tubes !

I was about ready to give up on my Coaguchek( which also uses a test strip with a spot for the blood) until a Roche technical aid sent me a container of capillary tubes. Smooth sailing after that.

 

[geebee]

Marty,
I agree. The tubes are "sliced bread" and should be simply included in the initial package. I was getting very discouraged and used up 7 test strips just dealing with the test well issue. I have not wasted one using the tubes.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Ross]

Here is the answer:

 

[Guest]

I can assure you that it is much easier to do it on someone else than it is to do the test on yourself. The other person has two free hands vs your one. I milk the blood down into the end of the little finger and keep a tight hold on the finger. Then I picture a line from the outside edge of the finger nail to the center of the finger print area. I put the stick right in the middle of the line. Without letting go of the finger I press on the side opposite the hole. A drop almost always forms immediately. By using the outside edge of the little finger you have nothing between the blood drop and the target area. If you are having trouble getting blood, try having someone else do it to you.

 

[geebee]

Al,
I don't have any trouble getting the blood. I warm my hand first & massage the finger that I am going to use. I am always able to get a large enough drop (one that now more than fills the capillary tube). My problem was getting the blood to go into the well. I tried letting it drop, placing the edge of the drop on the well, pushing my finger into the well, etc., etc.
Sometimes it worked, mostly it didn't. Once I started using the tubes, I have had successful tests each time.
I just got tired of practicing and wasting strips so the tubes were best for me.
Smiles,
Gina

 

[Marty]

Losing the cost of a test strip was more painful than the stick!