INRatio PTINR Monitoring System Top 10 Tips ver 1

Alere INRatio 2 PT/INR Monitoring System ®

Top 10 Tips For obtaining quality INR results with Alere INRatio®2 PT/INR Monitoring System

1) Ensure the test strips and monitor are at room temperature before use. 2) Verify the strip code each time a test is run. 3) Once the foil pouch is opened, use the test strip within 10 minutes and insert the test strip right side up so the word “INRATIO” on the strip is readable. 4) Warm the hand prior to finger stick to improve circulation and sample collection. Stick the finger after the monitor says to apply the sample, not before. 5) Keep the monitor on a solid level surface and do not move it once blood has been added. 6) The test uses 9.5 µl of capillary whole blood. We use the term “hanging drop” to describe the amount of blood you should use. Note: this is more than a typical glucose meter, which requires about 3-5 µl. 7) To obtain a sufficient sample, apply gentle continuous pressure to the finger and avoid “milking”. Apply the one drop sample to the strip within 15 seconds, the quicker the better. 8) Do NOT wipe the first drop. Place the first drop of blood on the target area all at one time. Never “double dip” by putting some blood on the target area, then adding more. NOTE: Avoid touching the test strip with finger. 9) If you “miss the target area” or a bubble appears, do not try to scrape, shovel, or finger paint the blood into the target area. Repeat the test with a new strip, using a sample collected from another finger. 10) For callused hands and difficult sticks, use the non-dominant hand. You may also consider using the INRatio capillary tubes for sample application.

If you get an error code or “unexpected” result: (e.g. An INR too high or too low for a patient that is usually “in range,” or an INR result that does not reflect the clinical assessment of the patient) a) Repeat the test with a new test strip, using a sample collected from another finger. b) The patient should be thoroughly questioned regarding their dosing compliance, changes in other medications or diet. c) If the result is very high (e.g. an INR greater than 5.0, or whatever INR value the user protocol has set as a ‘take action’ value), or unexpectedly low, and it repeats that way on the second test, it would be advisable to send a sample to a lab for a second opinion result. d) If an error code repeats twice, call 1800 622 642, option 2 to reach Alere Technical Support.

© 2014 Alere. All rights reserved. The Alere Logo, Alere and INRatio are trademarks of the Alere group of companies. A2094

alere.com.au