Article

Coagulation self-monitoring with CoaguChek®

Coagulation self-testing means less time at the clinic

Self-testing with CoaguChek® gives you the freedom to test your INR levels yourself, anytime you like. Self-testing at home can give you better control of your medication than testing at a laboratory or doctor’s office, with more time in your therapeutic range. Your doctor will receive and monitor your results, so when your dose does need changing, you can find out sooner.

Discover how INR self-testing may be the right choice for you.

What is time in therapeutic range (TTR) and why is it important

 

The TTR is the percentage of time a patient spends with an INR level that is deemed ideal for their condition.

The therapeutic range is quite narrow, and INR can be affected by many factors, including diet and other medical conditions.

By monitoring INR, VKA dosage can be adjusted as required to maintain a high TTR.

However, infrequent testing can mean that deviations of INR outside of the TR may not be determined for a period of time.

Time in therapeutic range
Time in therapeutic range

More frequent monitoring of INR levels together with lifestyle changes can help maximize time you spend within therapeutic range.1

Every model of care is trying to achieve the highest TTR possible.

A high TTR is directly linked to a reduced rate of adverse effects2-4

Bar Chart

☑️ > 65 - 75 %

 

A high TTR demonstrates a high quality of anticoagulation management (HQACM)1,5-7

Bar Chart
Quality care for your patients taking vitamin K antagonists

Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) require close monitoring because of individual variations, drug-drug or food-drug interactions.8 Studies have shown that increasing a patient’s time in therapeutic range, as measured by their international normalized ratio (INR) value, maximizes the benefits of anticoagulation therapy and minimizes the risk of thromboembolic events.9-11 Therefore, keeping careful track of your patient's INR value to ensure it is in the optimal therapeutic range is critical.

Models of patient monitoring

Enhance efficiency for you and freedom for your patient

 

A variety of models exists for managing patients of VKA therapy.  Learn more about the benefits of point of care and patient self-testing and how we can support you in selecting the right model for you and your patients.

Blood test
Traditional or usual care

 

Performed by a conventional laboratory. Results can take hours if not overnight to be returned to the physician. The healthcare professional interprets the result and, if needed, changes the patient’s dosage. The patient may have to wait for the results, or even return to the physician after the result is delivered. 

Patient with nurse
Point of care testing

 

Performed by healthcare professionals immediately at the patient point of care. CoaguChek offers reliable and easy to use solutions that provide immediate results. Thus, allowing treatment decisions to be made more quickly.

Patient testing at home
Patient self-testing

 

Together with you, properly trained patients and/or caregivers are capable of performing reliable INR testing themselves. This method of coagulation monitoring may provide some patients with the maximum amount of freedom to suit their testing needs.

References

  1. Kirchhof, P. et al. (2016). Eur Heart J. 37(38), 2893-2962.
  2. Phillips, K.W. & Ansell, J. (2008). Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 6(1), 57-70.
  3. Wan, Y. et al. (2008). Gire Cardiovasc Qua/ Outcomes. 1 (2), 84-91.
  4. Holbrook, A. et al. (2012). Chest. 141(2), el 52S-e184S.
  5. Lane, D.A. et al. (2015). Europace. 17(12), 1747-69.
  6. De Caterina, R., et al. (2013). Thromb Haemost. 110(6), 1087-107.
  7. Sjogren, V. et al. (2015). Thromb Haemost. 1 13(6), 1370-7.
  8. Vranckx, P., Valgimigli, M., Heidbuchel, H. (2018). The Significance of Drug-Drug and Drug-Food Interactions of Oral Anticoagulation. Arrhythmia & electrophysiology review, 7(1), 55–61.
  9. Wan, Y. et al. (2008). Anticoagulation control and prediction of adverse events in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review. Circulation. Cardiovascular quality and outcomes, 1(2), 84–91. 
  10. Holbrook, A. et al. (2012). Evidence-based management of anticoagulant therapy: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest, 141(2 Suppl), e152S–e184S.
  11. Phillips, K. W., Ansell, J. (2008). Outpatient management of oral vitamin K antagonist therapy: defining and measuring high-quality management. Expert review of cardiovascular therapy, 6(1), 57–70.