How Do You Use A PT/INR Test Time Monitor At Home?
Home blood testing of prothrombin time (PT) and the related International Normalized Ratio (INR) to monitor oral anti-coagulant therapy has gained greater acceptance in the healthcare and regulatory communities as the testing devices have become easier to use and more accurate. Additionally, in 2008 Medicare expanded coverage of home testing of PT/INR to those prescribed the anti-coagulant warfarin (Coumadin) for treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism whereas only those with mechanical heart valves were covered before. While there are several devices on the market for monitoring PT/INR with each requiring a physician’s direction and training, most share the simple steps similar to the use of a glucose monitor for diabetes. So if you are a candidate for monitoring your PT/INR at home, this article describes the general steps that may be involved in the process. Turn on the PT/INR at home monitoring device and allow it to perform, if any, self-diagnostic tests
