Comparative study of accuracy and clinical agreement of the CoaguChek XS portable device versus standard laboratory practice in unexperienced patients

摘要

Because of the strong correlation between international normalized ratio (INR) levels and clinical outcome, maximal time spent on therapeutic range is crucial for patients requiring oral anticoagulation (OAC). Achieving the goal of high quality anticoagulation can be difficult, and may be cumbersome and time-consuming for the patients due to frequent venous blood sampling and trips to their practioner or the next laboratory. Self management of OAC therapy may facilitate the achievement of this goal and several studies demonstrated the improved treatment quality in patients doing so.