Question

I'm on Coumadin for deep vein thrombosis. My doctor says I should take it 'for years'. I don't mind, but the visits for monitoring tests are a nuisance - I live 30 miles from the hospital lab.

A friend says I could do this at home. Is that true?
 

Answer

You should go and see your doctor. Home prothrombin time monitoring using a home monitor device is suitable for people who require long term (more than a year) anticoagulation with warfarin (Coumadin®), and need at least weekly determinations of their International Normalized Ratio (INR) values. If your doctor thinks you are a good candidate for self-monitoring, and she/he is prepared to supervise your training in the use of such a monitor, you can have one prescribed. Your readiness to comply with the training and documentation is important in the selection process.
 

There are several self-monitoring systems on the market. Links for information on two of them are given below.
 

Related Links
Home Monitoring of Blood Thinners Comes of Age
The ProTime System: PT-INR Test
The CoaguChek System