The Coag-Sense retains the data in memory, even if you change batteries. It stores the results onto non-volatile memory that doesn't disappear when you change batteries. The new PT2 meter has a rechargeable battery, so the risk of data loss is reduced even further.
I've been keeping a spreadsheet ever since I made my first test using a meter. I don't think that I've ever graphed the data or been driven to do so. I just prefer to keep track of my values.
Yes, if you wait ten days, or 30 days, or perhaps 6 months between tests, you don't know what happened between tests. That's why experts urge weekly testing. Each test is a snapshot of your current INR - and may provide a reason for altering the dose or, at least, perhaps for a test in three days or so, to show whether dosage changes have been effective enough.
I don't track the lot numbers of my strips (my Coag-Sense PT2 does), but, over the years, I've detected errors in strips (compared to other meters or lab results) that suggested problems with a batch of strips (my experience with the Protime meters was confirmed by other investigators, and the strips were recalled).
Maintaining records on a spreadsheet, for me, doesn't seem like work (but I don't work on spreadsheets day in and day out, so this has become routine and almost fun). I've kept records for more than a decade. I can't imagine being able to handle a bunch of books, and a bunch of pages, that have my INR records in them.
For me, weekly testing, occasional testing at a lab, and recording of any issues that may effect INR (illness, use of antibiotics, brief changes in diet, etc.) and, of course, date, time, and (in my case) meter that the test was run on or facility where a lab test was performed, is important to provide a long, running history.
Ok so I'm hearing that two meters is a bit much. Thank you all, I'll read up on them and ask my doc for recommendations.
