Monitor Question

[Freddie]

Are these home monitors heat sensitive?
Like if the machine was sitting in a hot car for about 20 minutes, would it have an effect on the INR reading?
If so, this would explain my results from last week.

 

[Bina]

I don't know....is there anything in your owner's manual about using it in high temps?

 

[Freddie]

Just altitudes.

 

[Bina]

To be sure, call the 1-800 number on the box and talk to a rep. They know everything.

 

[Bina]

I really think that if the monitor wasn't happy it would have given an error code before completing a test.
My Dad used to have an insulated travel bag for my Mom's sensitive meds and such.

 

[Karlynn]

Good question Freddie - when you find out the answer let us know!

 

[catwoman]

Freddie:

Read the owner's manual for your machine. Of course, it will give recommended storage temps, not those for just a brief time.

I have left my INRatio very very briefly in my car while traveling -- buried under things in the back seat, out of the sunlight -- when going into a truck stop, filling up the car, grabbing a quick burger inside rather than getting it to go. I've never noticed any problems. But If I know I'm going to be gone for more than say 5-10 minutes, I carry my monitor into the restaurant, wherever. I have a luggage tag on the handle with a REWARD!!!!!!!!!! note.

Just remember that these units contain sensitive electronics. I read in the last week a warning against leaving a GPS unit in a closed car in the summer. (Hey, what about those built-in GPS units??)

 

[lance]

I've noticed .........................

I've noticed .........................

my XS sensitive to a low temperature--high 60's F. There is a recommended temperature range in my the User's Manual.
The XS won't proceed to test until the temperature is above the lowest level and then all is well.
What brand monitor do you use?

 

[Bina]

Lance, Freddie has the same as us....Coaguchek XS. Which is why I'm not too concerned about a failed test, because the XS will not complete a test where any part of the QC check has failed.

 

[Freddie]

I'll be phoning that 1-800 number soon.

 

[Ross]

I know the strips are heat sensitive, so I would assume the instruments are too to a degree.

 

[terodac]

I am thinking like Ross, the strips are suppose to stay in a cool place. I sometimes get a error 5 on my coaguchek xs but I think it is the strips some are just bad.

 

[Bina]

I am thinking like Ross, the strips are suppose to stay in a cool place. I sometimes get a error 5 on my coaguchek xs but I think it is the strips some are just bad.

You should never have a strip that is "just bad".
either the expiry date has passed,
the strip has been mis-handled,
or they weren't stored properly.
Call your supplier for some help with this.

 

[Freddie]

On the CoaguChek XS monitor:
Operating temperatures should be in between the following degrees:
18C to 32C
and/or
64F to 89F

The monitor "QC" sign will still appear if operated above these temperatures that may give you the false impression that your INR may be "in" or "out" of range. Your best bet is to do your best to keep the monitor at room temperature - 22C/71F.

That's what they said to me

 

[AgilityDog]

They must be lawyers, 'cause that's not an answer. We KNEW THAT answer already.

The Q is did the heat damage the unit once the unit was back in the cool for a reasonable period.

Doh!

 

[olefin]

INRatio2 operating conditions...50-95 F

Strips Store 35-90 F

 

[lance]

I don't know what to make of that .................

I don't know what to make of that .................

On the CoaguChek XS monitor:
Operating temperatures should be in between the following degrees:
18C to 32C
and/or
64F to 89F

The monitor "QC" sign will still appear if operated above these temperatures that may give you the false impression that your INR may be "in" or "out" of range. Your best bet is to do your best to keep the monitor at room temperature - 22C/71F.

That's what they said to me

because when my monitor is too cool, the thermometer pictograph appears in the lower right hand corner of the screen and I think refers to an error number stating the monitor is too cold. It has never proceeded past that point until it's warmed up and the thermometer sign disappears.
When my old "S" went kaput it showed an error message advising to call Roche. Testing hadn't started, it hadn't even asked for the strip to be applied. The monitor was done.
So your experience is difficult to understand. It has never been too hot. About the strips--I heard a while ago Roche had recalled certain batch numbers because they had been improperly sealed at the factory. What batch number are you using? Roche probably asked that too.
Cheers!