Self-testing for children

[Tabitha's Mum]

Hello. I'm a new user, and I'm interested in finding out if anyone has any experience of using the self-test machines with children. My 19-month old daughter just had her 2nd surgery, a mitral valve replacement, and rather than keep going to the hospital for INR tests, or using a random Quest centre, we'd like to use the home machines. Does anyone have any thoughts on what would be easiest with a small child? I've heard good things about the INRatio machine, but from general adult users, not kids. Some I know have small areas on the strips that you have to get the blood on, which might be an issue with a squirmy toddler! All the machines seem to work on the same principle, but it would be good to get feedback as to which people think are easiest to use, particularly in terms of the actual lancing of the finger. Our doctors don't really have any other patients doing self-tests with kids this young, hence I'm turning to the forums for help!
Thanks in advance!

 

[Bina]

Hello TM and welcome!
We do have a member testing on a 2 yr old....Hopefully they will see your message.

 

[Freddie]

Hi there Tabitha's mom and welcome.
Sorry I can't help you on answering your question, I just wanted to to say "Hi"

 

[catwoman]

Tabitha's Mum:

You can get collection or capillary tubes -- tiny "turkey basters," you might say -- to transfer blood drops from the finger (or heel, in the case of young ones) onto the test strip.

 

[briansmom]

Hi! Glad you found us. My son is 18 yrs old (though he acts more like a 2 yr old sometimes!), so I don't have any words of wisdom. He uses an INRatio and it is very easy.