Anyone familiar with CoaguChek System for monitoring PT with INR results??

I had a St. Jude aortic valve inserted in October and received a brochure from them in regard to purchasing a CoaguChek System for performing prothrombin time (PT) tests yourself.  It says it's just as acurate as a lab and of course much more convenient. The process involves:  1.Put a test strip in the monitor. 2.Place a single drop of blood on the strip.  3.In about 2 minutes, read your INR results....This sounds too good to be true.  Comments please (since I don't like having blood drawn at the hospital).....Many thanks, Janie

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Janie,

This is in fact available.  It may be useful but would need to be monitored periodically via physician lab.

[Hank Eyring]

Hi Janie,

I have a web page with links to the two companies that currently sell the devices.

I have had my INR checked with the "CoaguChek" many times and it is indeed that simple..

Here is the link to the page I mentioned:

http://frontpage.inficad.com/~hanky/home_inr_testing.htm

I also have a mailing list for people who have had or sre facing valve replacement.  Everyone on the list is very helpful.  Why don't you sign up?  We could always use your expertise.  Here is the link to the page where you can sign up for the list.

http://frontpage.inficad.com/~hanky/heart.htm

Hope to see you on the list and have a great day!..

Hank Eyring

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Thank you for your comments.