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Test Code INRP Point of Care INT NORM RATIO (INR) REFLEX ONLY

Important Note

This is only for INR testing using the Coaguchek meter. 

Only for patients on Coumadin therapy.

Specimen Type

Fresh capillary whole blood from a fingerstick or fresh venous whole blood drawn in an anticoagulant-free plastic syringe. Capillary sample must be applied to the strip within 15 seconds of the fingerstick and within 10 minutes of removing the strip from the vial.

Specimen Collection

When the meter displays the flashing test strip and blood drop symbols, with the hand still down, stick the side of finger with a lancet. DO NOT WIPE AWAY THE FIRST DROP OF BLOOD. DO NOT puncture the finger until the flashing test strip and blood drop symbols appear on the meter screen. Immediately after lancing, massage gently along the side of the finger to obtain a good blood drop without pressing or squeezing too hard. While the flashing test strip and blood drop symbols appear on the display, apply the first drop of blood (within 15 seconds) as outlined inTesting a Patient Sample. Hold the blood drop to the strip until the meter beeps (providing beeper is set to ON). DO NOT apply a second drop or disturb the strip while testing. For venous collection, prepare a plastic syringe that is free of anticoagulants. Syringe needle should be 23 gauge or larger. A 21-gauge or larger needle is recommended. When the meter displays the flashing test strip and blood drop symbols, perform the venipuncture. Draw venous sample into the plastic syringe. While the meter displays the flashing test strip and blood drop symbols, apply sample as outlined in Testing a Patient Sample.

Specimen Volume

samlple volume is 8 ul of whole blood

Specimen Stability

specimen must be tested immediately on the Coaguchek meter

Special Instructions

CoaguChek XS PT test strips are insensitive to unfractionated heparin concentrations up to 0.8 U/ml and to low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) up to 2 IU/ml for INR values <2.9. Up to this value a neutralization of the heparin concentration is assured without limitations. INR values 2.9 or > are affected by the above mentioned levels of heparin concentrations. Therefore, CoaguChek XS PT test is NOT recommended to be used for measuring INR values ?2.9 when heparin is administered simultaneously in doses which yield the plasma concentrations of unfractionated heparin concentrations above 0.8 U/ml and of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) above 2 IU/ml.

Testing performed on the Coaguchek meter.

Performing Laboratory

Great Plains Health