Where to get INRatio Test Strips?

[RefuaShlema]

Some 2 yrs ago, I purchased on eBay a 48-strips box for some $192 from BIOUSA. I still have a few left but am getting concerned about re-supply. The websites I explored will only supply to medical authorities and not to individuals! So how do you guys get resupplied? I am getting concerned....

 

[Protimenow]

I am impressed by your user name. For most of us, unless we have a Hebrew-English dictionary, it'll remain a secret.

The InRatio may continue to be a major problem for those who use the InRatio meters. It may be of some comfort to know that InRatio strips are reportedly still good (though, in my experience, they've never been all that accurate) for 12 months beyond their expiration date. This may buy you more time, if you have any strips left.

There may be problems getting more strips for the InRatio -- the new ones are apparently only for the InRatio 2 meter, and I don't know if any have been approved recently for distribution.

If the only way that you can get the strips is through a medical supplier who only sells to medical professionals, your physician (or one with whom you are friendly) may be able to order them for you.

Alere's problems with InRatio strips may not end soon -- I have no way of guessing -- so the future usability of your meter may be in some jeopardy.

You might consider switching meters. Many people use the CoaguChek XS -- it's a good meter, and supplies are readily available for it on eBay and Amazon. I've run out of XS strips for my meters and may eventually get new ones. Currently, my personal go-to meter is the Coag-Sense -- it seems to give results that are SLIGHTLY lower than lab results, but that are based on actual physical clotting of the blood. I'm also probably going to test with the Hemochron - a hospital/clinic grade meter that is less easy to get, may require infrequent calibration, but that is supposed to be the most accurate meter available.

In any case -- I'm sorry that I can't help you with the InRatio sourcing question -- it may be time to consider a different meter, and if you keep an eye on eBay and Amazon, you may find one that is affordable (and if you have good insurance, you may be able to get insurance to partially or completely subsidize the change).

I'm interested in learning about your next step.

 

[RefuaShlema]

Tks, Protime, for the good info...My current action path is, that I am still trying to contact people in the medical field to try to secure me INR Strips. 1 box of 48 would be great. But you just implanted in me the knowledge that my original INRatio meter might become obsolete due to lack of supplies. So, I'm gonna have to frame my mind for that. You are kind. I will keep you posted of my further activities. In the meantime, should you become aware of sources, I'll appreciate being informed. My Best.

 

[Protimenow]

I read somewhere that the new strips were not compatible with the old machines. You may try calling Alere (I think that they may have a phone number on the back of the meter) and asking them about the situation with meters and strips. They may not want to sell strips, if any are available, but your doctor may be able to order them if they're not available to you.

It would be good to know the company's official answer to the supply shortage, to pricing, and to whether or not the new strips are compatible with the original meter.

(You may just take the InRatio problems as a sign that you may be better off with a different meter. Sometimes, you'll fall into a good deal on eBay that you may have to snatch up quickly, or you may find one that was poorly listed (misspelled title, or something) and that there's little competition to purchase. I just got a Hemochron Jr - a meter that few on this forum know about, and that is usually just used in medical facilities, for $50. This will be used for comparison with the blood draws, the Anticoagulation Clinic's Hemochron Jr, my Coag-Sense and, if I ever get more CoaguChek XS strips, occasional comparisons to the CoaguChek XS. Having had a TIA because I put blind faith in my meter, I want to be pretty confident that my INR IS in range when I test it. Keep looking on eBay, and you may get lucky.)

I ran through a lot of comparison tests between meters and labs last year, and made my own determination of which method to trust, and the direction of the meter's error. Once I add the Hemochron to my test regimen, I'll report on this, too. (Of course, this information may be of less value to most on the forum, because this meter is probably not an option like the CoaguChek XS and Coag-Sense are).

 

[pellicle]

Hi amd welcome

Some 2 yrs ago, I ... still have a few left but am ...So how do you guys get resupplied? I am getting concerned....

I wonder if y should not consider changing machines?

I feel that it is the same thing withall technololgy which relies on consumables, once the consumablrs become hard to find it may be just as well to change machine.

Even though i persist with film to some extent i know the world has gone digital.

 

[Protimenow]

Do you mean I should get rid of my VCR and cassette recorder just because I can't get blanks for them?

What a shock.

(I'm in full agreement, especially in relation to this meter, although I would not be surprised if Alere doesn't come up with a 'new, improved' strip and some aggressive promotions in an attempt to get customers from jumping to other meters).