CoaguChek Training and Support

Roche cannot give any recommendation about test frequency. However, studies have demonstrated that testing once per week increases TTR by enabling faster reactions to variations in INR due to exercise and diet. It may also increase patient compliance and engagement.^1-3

The percentage of time that your patient’s INR values fell within the upper and lower target value set by you.

No, calibration is performed automatically upon inserting the code key from the strip vial.

Due to diverse measurement standards used by labs, small variations should be expected. If the variation is of therapeutic significance, please contact your local Roche support organization.

Please refer to the webinar called "INR Comparability: deviating INRs and how to deal with them found in the In the spotlight section of this page

Polyglobulism: Hematocrit outside the standard range (25-55%)
Lupus anticoagulant: INR abnormally high
The presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (APAs) such as Lupus antibodies (LA) can potentially lead to prolonged clotting times, i.e. elevated INR values. A comparison to an APA-insensitive laboratory method is recommended if the presence of APAs is known or suspected. Please consult with the product's package insert (or method sheet) for more details.

The open vial stability is 10 minutes maximum. Having the strip too long out of the vial, especially in situations with high humidity or temperature, would be detected by the onboard integrity system resulting in an error message. No INR would be displayed if the strips are found to be defective by the integrated quality control of the CoaguChek system.

CoaguChek XS, XS Pro, Pro II
If the incorrect code key is in the machine, the PT/INR value may be incorrect. Depending on the lot variation, the error can be significant causing the wrong therapeutic decision to be taken with the risk of an adverse event.

CoaguChek XS Plus
If the incorrect code key is in the machine and you insert a test strip, a display message indicates that you need to insert the corresponding code key, otherwise a measurement will not be possible.

In the measuring channel a chemical called resazurin is incorporated. Resazurin is sensitive to ambient factors like light, humidity and temperature leading to a reaction process where Resazurin is converted into Resorufin. The concentration of Resorufin is measured electrochemically, and the result is a direct measure of strip alteration.

The fill of the capillary is detected by a current flow between two electrodes on the test strip. If the capillary is not completely filled, an error message (error number 5) will appear on the display.

CoaguChek XS

Never add more blood to the test strip after the test has begun or perform another test with blood from the same puncture site. Yes, re-dosing is possible within 15 seconds. However, in principle re-dosing is very critical due to the immediate start of the coagulation process. Therefore this should be avoided if possible.

CoaguChek XS Plus, XS Pro, Pro II

Yes, re-dosing is possible within 15 seconds. However, in principle re-dosing is very critical due to the immediate start of the coagulation process. Therefore this should be avoided if possible.

CoaguChek XS

An error message (error number 4) will appear on the screen.

CoaguChek XS Plus, XS Pro, Pro II

An error message will appear on the screen.

The user can erase the entire memory. One cannot however, erase individual results.

The meter has a built in internal quality control so liquid controls are not needed.

In principle, yes. However, the CoaguChek XS Plus or Pro systems are much more suitable solutions in a professional setting due to the data management capabilities created for professionals:

• positive strip lot identification
• the ability to input patient and operator ID to facilitate record keeping
• touch screen
• and a search function for patient data in the memory

The CoaguChek XS Plus or Pro systems are the ideal choice for you when accuracy and ease  of use need to be combined with data management.