Labs and Testing

[BionicRedneck]

I had to go and have my P/T checked today.

The first Lab I went too a month ago had issues. The first time I went, It was the first time I have ever seen a nurse stick me with a butterfly or needle push the tube onto the end of the needle and nothing come out. The vein was one that stuck up above my arm. The second shot she missed again on a similar vein. Then she start prodding a little and finally found it. Given the nurse was young, that sure was some uncomfortable silence for her when that happened. Then I had to remeind them both times and had to call the next day to get my results sent to my Dr.

Lab 2. 2 weeks ago everything went great. This time they appeared to not have my order as a standing order although it said "Standing Order" on the top of the fax. Problem was that there was not a frequency on it. She said they cannot accept an open standing order and must have a frequency. Head Nurses at Cardiologist offices dont like to have to deal with petty little stuff like this and are testy. The lab wouldnt draw my blood until they got a frequency on a new order. I thought that a lab was independant and more individual than Dr oieneted. I was mad because I dont think they have to have any Dr orders to o a P/T and give results. I can go to the other lab and get one just for the Hell of it when I want. I might understand if this was a insurance deal but I have no insurance for the surgery or any follow up. The look on ppls faces when I tell them that and tell them of the surgery is great. My dr.s never once hesitated or acted like they heard me when I told them.

I am gonna get a personal P/T machine since I will have a personal need for it without ppl around knowing. I dont have a preference on the brand because it looks like 6 of one half dozen of the other when you compare and the prices are about the same. I will probably get the one with the lowest shipping or fastest shipping. If anyone has any pro's con's on the machine form personal use please let me know.

 

[Guest]

I've never heard of a lab that would draw blood without a doctor's order. It is not an insurance issue, it is a liability issue.

I'd be worried about a doctor's office that had people who got testy and refused to do their job properly. If they can't be trusted with details, why would you want to trust your life to them?

I think that the home testers require a doctor's order. I agree that which model you choose is mostly a matter of personal preference.

 

[catwoman]

I dont have a preference on the brand because it looks like 6 of one half dozen of the other when you compare and the prices are about the same. I will probably get the one with the lowest shipping or fastest shipping. If anyone has any pro's con's on the machine form personal use please let me know.

Microcoagulation testing machines are regulated by U.S. FDA rules. My mom can walk into Wal-Mart and get a new glucometer without an Rx (unless she wants Medicare to cover it, a pharmacist told me). I couldn't get my PT/INR machine without one, plus meeting several other regulations.

Yes, the prices are about the same. There are differences between the 3 machines on the market: CoaguChek, INRatio and ProTime 3. The testing strips or cuvettes are different, blood sample requirements differ. You run controls with CoaguChek strips; ProTime 3 has built-in controls. CoaguCheck & INRatio are smaller than ProTime 3. All fit into carry-on luggage with room left for lots of clothing.

You've been getting lab draws. Many doctors' offices now have their own testing machines. My PCP has a CoaguChek; I have a ProTime 3.
According to acforum.org, the Coumadin clinics closest to you are in Houston. I attended Stephen F. Austin State U., 20 miles from you, and know that Houston's not a stroll from Lufkin.
Perhaps you should check with doctors in Lufkin and Nacogdoches to see who uses a CoaguChek, INRatio meter or ProTime 3 and familiarize yourself with that machine. Both cities are big enough to have someone with such a machine.