ProTime v. Coagucheck?

[JimChicago]

Thanks Conk,
Is the situation that the difference is: ??
Basic Coaguchek - uses hi and lo test strips (around 1200-$1300)
Coaguchek S - includes chip that does not need test strips
(around $2000)?

(I saw one site that spoke of liquid controls for the Coaguchek.)

 

[tommy]

Yes, my Coagucheck (Roche) uses liquid controls. 1 high, 1 low.

 

[conk]

CoaguChek S Great Deal

CoaguChek S Great Deal

I will be Calling UniMed tomorrow. Their cost is $1,250 for the system, $260 for a kit of 48 test strips and $22 for a Control Kit or $325 for a Control Cartridge. With a 15% discount on all items and purchasing the cartridge, this comes to $1412 with shipping. This looks pretty good to me. I will call tomorrow to verify and check on lancets, etc. Here is the URL below:

http://www.shopunimed.com/.sc/ms/cat/1064708359958910/9/nc/CoaguChek

 

[DickV]

The Coaguchek "S" uses only one set of liquid controls that you use with standard testing strips. Each box of strips comes with a chip that you insert in the back of the unit and the chip and strips are numbered alike and the unit will not work of these two numbers differ. I only run controls when I open a box of strips or about once a year but I rarely take my unit with me when I travel so it is not subject to temprature changes or getting banged around.

The "S" also has an optional electronic controls device that has a strip-like attachment that you can use to run controls on your "S" rather than the liquid controls but I do not find it cost effective. My Cardiologist also uses an "S" in his office and he has the electronic controls gizmo. He often uses his machine more in a day then I use mine in a year.

 

[JimChicago]

Thanks for the info Conk and DickV -
If you get the control cartridge does that mean you don't test strips at all?

 

[bvdr]

I'm waiting for my pro-time unit to arrive. It is supposed to be here by Fed Express today then I get my training(via telephone) tomorrow. I can hardly wait. Of my 13 out of the hospital INRs, 5 have been in range. My low 1.6 and high 6.1. I am anxious to get this regulated and am hoping having my own maching will help me feel more in control.

Just a quick question: Does anyone know if contrast dye has any effect on INR?

I can't wait to see those who will be at the reunion!

 

[conk]

CoaguCeck S is out!

CoaguCeck S is out!

After doing some more research and talking with UniMed and Lance from QAS, I discovered that the machine I saw on the web site I referenced in an earlier post is only being sold to Doctors offices. Not available for Self Testing. QAS is coming up with a site that has the information on all four INR units that they can provide. They are just bringing it up now and he said that I ws the first to look at it. The link is below:

http://www.ptinr.com/testingdevices.htm

Having a much better perspective on what's out there now, I am leaning toward the ProTime Unit. One factor is the sensitivity of the unit is better, although the CoaguCek is adequate and the most widely used unit On the ProTime, the the cost of each test strip is more, however the controls are built in. If you do the CoaguChek correctly, then the cost of a single test is $18, since you need to use 2 strips for the controls. Each test on the ProTime I believe is either $10 or $12. Can't remember what Lance quoted now. Guess I need to start writing things down.

 

[rcatalano]

Right now I have a 'loaner' Harmony unit.

Each test strip includes the 2 control tests, so the unit does a quality control check every time you use it. If it doesn't pass the QC test, it will let you know. Also, the test strips do not need refrigeration.

I'm waiting to hear from my insurance if they will cover it, and if they do, how much I'll be paying for each test. I like the unit, its very easy to use, the only question will be cost.

 

[Granbonny]

Hi Conk

Hi Conk

Who is checking on your INR'S now? Cardiologist? You said you are testing once a week now..at 6 weeks and still not in range.Whoever told you to hold for 3 days when you were high? No wonder you bottomed out. As long as you are not in range..I don't think any doctor will write you a prescription for a home-testing unit..and YES. this is the first thing QAS has to have. and you will have to write a letter to your Insurance carrier telling them why you think Home-testing is the right thing for you. Traveling on Job..Miles away from nearest Coumadin clinic..Clinic closed when you get off from work, ect...If, you do get a prescription from a doctor..and insurance will not pay for it..then you can order and pay for it yourself. Cuvettes for Protime are $12.00 each. My Insurance pays $10.00 and I pay $2.00.... and when you place your order. You must be home in the next 2 days when they arrive..to place in refrigerator.I knew mine was coming today. Hubby was here when UPS came. Bonnie

 

[bvdr]

Well my Pro-time unit arrived just as scheduled. I'm not supposed to use it until tomorrow.....watched the video, read the manual, read the instruction material, and looked everything over...and my INR is 2.1 ...just as it was yesterday in my PCP's office.

It is very easy to use and I was already quite familiar with it from my PCP's office.

The supplies did come in a box with refrigerated packs and in a cooler but they were of course already unthawed upon arrival.

 

[DickV]

Jim, if you get the electronic controls gizmo for the "S" you still need test strips. It only eliminates the need to run liquid controls

 

[JimL]

Conk, that is a very fine website that Lance has set up:

http://www.ptinr.com/testingdevices.htm

That needs to be posted where we can easily access it, if it hasn't been already.

 

[conk]

Selected ProTime

Selected ProTime

I have had QAS start the paperwork motion toward getting a ProTime system. I'm hoping my insurance will cover at least some of the unit and hope it doesn't take too long to receive.

My INR seems to be under control at this point. Will see how my check comes out tomorrow at the Cardiologist Office (They use a CoaguChek). One week ago it was 3.0, hope its the same tomorrow.

LIFE IS GOOD