Which home test kit is better?

[Amelia_mom]

Hi

Amelia's doctor has approved of us self-testing for her. BUT (it's a VERY big but) I don't know which one.

Since Amelia is only 6 months old, I would prefer a user friendly machine that will not require so much blood and one that does not cause so much pain.

I saw ProTime machine uses a cuvett that slices a tiny bit on the finger - won't it be painful? Also I need a machine that is really SIMPLE to use and takes little storage space. If the test strips needs refrigeration then how can I ensure that during the shippment, the strips are kept at that optimum temperature throughout?

Another thing I am concern is the level of support. So far INRatio is not targetting Asain market yet - hence we need to get direectly from the USA. ProTime has a rep but so far there are some problems with the control samples.

As for coagucheck, I have absolutly not referece to it as it's only availabel to the physician. So we are stuck.

My question is do you need much support to use the machine? If you run into problems regarding the machine, who do you call? How fast can you get the test strips?

BTW is InRatio the latest ?

cheers

 

[RandyL]

I have the INRatio machine. I don't refrigerate my test strips. I never knew I was suppose to. Anyways, the stick for blood is about the same as a Diabetes tester, it does not hurt and it is small and easily packable in a suit case.

 

[Guest]

The questions about what is available is difficult for someone in a different country to answer since just about every country has their own rules and laws about what is and is not allowed.

 

[geebee]

I use the INRatio machine and it is simple and requires very little blood. The test strips do not require refrigeration, only protection from extreme temps. The monitor is small and light. I have been using the same set of batteries for over a year and have had no problems with the machine working properly.
Hemosense has a website and a great customer service group. They respond quickly to any question.
I can get test strips within one week. Not sure about shipping to Singapore - that would definitely be a question for the supplier.
You should contact Hemosense and ask them for a supplier name.
Good luck.

 

[Amelia_mom]

hi

Thanks for all the wonderful input. I think we will go for InRatio.


Gina,

Hemosense is not selling directly to Singapore. I need to get thru QAS and AGAIN - a USA address. We have close relatives living in California so that will help. I am only concern the level of support in customr service. What if the machine needs servicing, calibration etc? Do you run into those problem so far?

So far Amelia's cardiologists are getting better at dosing her so they are not putting the home test kit a priority. But I am still very concern when she starts her weaning diet and when her liver matures - I just need a kit that I can test INR in between those weekly scheduled lab test. Also it's a trama for a 6 month old to be pricked 1 cc of blood every week and then waiting for the result and then running after the nurses to tell her cardiologist of the result.

cheers

 

[Cris N]

You might want to see about the new Coaguchek XS. Try this website:
http://www.coaguchek.co.uk/content/contact/index.html

I noticed that in the country list Singapore is listed. I'm sure they will know if it's approved for use there.

 

[geebee]

Dawn,
I have not had any issues with my INRatio so far. However, I am sure I would get great response from Hemosense should I need it.

 

[Amelia_mom]

You might want to see about the new Coaguchek XS. Try this website:
http://www.coaguchek.co.uk/content/contact/index.html

I noticed that in the country list Singapore is listed. I'm sure they will know if it's approved for use there.

Hi Cris

Thanks a million for the reference. I managed to talk to the sales rep and we'll be able to get a demo soon! It's such a relief to know that we can have a have a home test kit and ONLY 10 uL of blood even lesser than InRatio!!!!!


THANKS!!!!

 

[Ross]

hi

I just need a kit that I can test INR in between those weekly scheduled lab test.
cheers

Testing more then once a week is very likely to be a waste of time and supplies. Coumadin/Warfarin takes about 3 days for a dose to show in a test result. You only have 7 days in a week.