Lab vs. Clinic?

[denobobeno]

Today I had my Coumadin checked at my regular Coumadin Clinic; it was 1.8 on one Coagucheck and 1.9 on the other (they have been using two machines).
My Cardiologist sent me to the Lab to have it checked there to see what they get...the got 2.29. Do you think the Lab would be correct? Against two machines? I haven't been in range since the beginning of December.. always too low.
P.S. I purchased Al's info today. Maybe I can get myself in range..
Thanks,
Deana

 

[Karlynn]

Deana, it's my understanding that all the #'s you got were within a typically acceptable varience. Which is one of the reasons why most of us like to stay at the higher end of our range. I always go off the lower number, personally to be safe.

How aggressive are they being in increasing your dose?

 

[Guest]

The algorithms printed while I was reading this.

Karlynn is right with a + or - 0.2 tolerance 1.8 could be anywhere between 1.6 and 2.0; 1.9 could be anywhere between 1.7 and 2.1; 2.3 could be anywhere between 2.1 and 2.5.

 

[denobobeno]

Due to my AVR and stoke following they recommend my levels stay between 2.5-3.5. My Cardio increased my Coumadin 15% last week when I was at 1.8. (Coumadin clinic) I'm not sure what the formula is ...? If that is enough when I have a ways to go..?
I'm so glad to know that there is a 0.2 variance. Interesting that I learned that from ya'll..as with everything else I've learned.
You can tell by my levels that not much changed. I didn't do anything different energy wise this past week except my 12 year old dauchsund died in my car while I was transporting her to a 24 doggie hospital...it was kind of sad and stressful..so, I guess that could make a difference.
They keep acting like I'm doing something wrong. I stick to the recommended diet and everything.. they got upset with me for taking a Benedryl today. I only took one because I was miserable with allergies. Maybe I shouldn't have. I don't know. I haven't exercised lately because I'm afraid of making it even worse. I'm excited to get the info print out from Al.
Thanks for the help,
Deana

 

[Guest]

I don't know what the variance for the lab tester is.

CoaguChek is +- 0.2
Pro Time is +- 0.3
INRatio is +- 0.5

The FDA says that all are acceptable.

 

[catwoman]

I didn't do anything different energy wise this past week except my 12 year old dauchsund died in my car while I was transporting her to a 24 doggie hospital...it was kind of sad and stressful..so, I guess that could make a difference.

Deana:

I am so sorry to hear that your dog didn't make it.
After our phone conversation Thursday night, I had wondered about how he was doing.
My condolences.

 

[Karlynn]

So sorry about your little doggie. It's tough losing a pet.

Why are they upset with you for taking Benedryl? I've never heard that there's a contraindication for warfarin. I also check Al's interactions list and didn't see it (in brand name nor in the long scientific name that I won't try to spell here! ) The only thing I'm thinking is that they are afraid it will dehydrate you and RAISE your INR. And that's not something you need to worry about right now.

 

[denobobeno]

just a quick reply to my question about lab vs Coumadin clinic.
thanks for the ideas..

I'm still having trouble with their readings apparentaly. They checked me last Friday and said I was 2.6--I also had to do another arm test to double check their reading and the lab said it was 3.3. Now I'm just going to get arm today. It's not too fun to do that once a week..but, now it looks like the CC isn't too reliable and so I guess I don't have a choice. I don't mind being stuck really, we're used to that huh? but, it's faster to do the CC.
Still need to get my own machine..I've had to be away to take care of my sick son at school and then my daughter has also has been sick all this week and so I haven't really had time to post back so..thanks for the help.
PS- catwoman and Karlynn..thanks about my dog.
Received Al's chart and looking forward to taking a little more control over InR adjustment's. I can see now that I wasn't being adjusted aggresively enough and that is why I stayed below 2.0 for 4 weeks. Thank God I didn't have a stroke.
xxooDeana

 

[catwoman]

Deana:

Take Al's chart w/ you to the clinic and show them. Be sure to let them know that Al is a certified anticoagulation care provider. (Check out www.acforum.org sometime.)