What is the CoaguChek?

The CoaguChek is a portable device which allows an individual to measure their own INR at frequent intervals.

The CoaguChek XS system is a convenient, portable and user-friendly instrument for monitoring oral anticoagulation therapy. The CoaguChek XS system is ready to use anywhere, any time. You can test yourself at home, school, work or on vacation. It is a hand-held device that is used to measure the international normalised ratio (INR) in individuals taking warfarin.

Measuring range and therapeutic range

CoaguChek XS Meter display units	INR
Measuring and Therapeutic Range	0.88.0 INR, 5120 % Q, 9.6-96 secs

Your treating physician will tell you what your individual therapeutic range is.
It is important to monitor the INR regularly to ensure a correct dose of warfarin. Frequent monitoring helps to balance the risk of excessive bleeding (when the INR is too high) against the risk of thrombosis or clotting (when the INR is too low).

Components of the CoaguChek system

The CoaguChek device comes packaged as a kit, including:

• CoaguChek device
• Four alkali-manganese AAA batteries
• Lancing device and lancet
• Carry case
• User manual
• CoaguChek XS PT 24 strips (24 strips) & code chip

Consumable materials used in testing are purchased separately in case the CoaguChek strips which you received with device are all used

• CoaguChek test strips
• Code chip

Using CoaguChek to test blood samples

In general, the following steps should be followed:

1. Familiarise yourself with the device and operating instructions
2. Prepare your materials

• CoaguChek XS meter
• Container of test strips
• Test strip code chip
• Soft clix lancet device
• lancet

Each box of test strips comes with a matching code chip. Every time ypu open a new box of test strips, you must replace the code chip

Match the Code

• Make sure the 3-digit code number on the test strip container and the code chip match.

Insert Strip

• Make sure the meter is turned off. With the code number facing up, insert the code chip into the code chip slot until it snaps into place

Prepare Lancet Device:

• Pull off the cap of the lancet device
• Insert a new lancet
• Twist off the lancets protective cap. Put the cap back on the lancet device. Line up the notches for the cap to fit. Select the penetration depth
• Press the plunger. A yellow dot appears in the release button.

Wash Hands:

• Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure your fingertip is thoroughly dry.

PERFORMING A TEST

Get Ready:

• Take a test strip out of the container. You have 10 minutes to use a test strip once you remove it from the container.
• Close the container tightly.

Insert Strip:

• Slide the test strip into the test strip guide in the direction of the arrows until it stops.
• The meter turns on. The code number of the inserted code chip flashes on the display.

Match the Code Numbers:

• Confirm that the number displayed matches the number on the test strip container, then press the M button.
• If the numbers are different, make sure you are using the code chip that came with the test strips you are using.
• An hourglass appears as the meter warms up, which takes about 30 seconds
• When the meter is warmed up a flashing test strip appears and the meter begins a countdown. You have 180 seconds to apply blood to the test strip.

Collect the Blood:

• Massage your finger gently until you see increased color in your fingertip.
• Keeping your hand down, press the tip of the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip. Press the release button.
• Gently squeeze from the base of your finger to develop a hanging drop of blood.

Apply the Blood:

• Within 15 seconds of sticking your fingertip, apply the blood to the target area of the test stripfrom the side of the test strip.
• Hold the blood drop to the test strip until you hear a beep. The flashing blood drop symbol disappears.
• Do not add more blood to the test strip. Do not touch the test strip.
• The result appears in about 1 minute.

Clean Up:

• Remove the lancet from the lancet device. Place the used test strip and lancet in a puncture-proof container with a lid. Turn the meter off.
• If the meter is dirty, wipe it clean with a lint-free tissue and an approved cleaning solution. See Cleaning the Meter section of this manual.

How to proceed if test results are outside the therapeutic range

1. If the measured PT result is unusually high or low repeat the test.
2. If the PT result is still outside the therapeutic range specified by your treating physician, immediately contact your physician

In what conditions should I use my device?

CoaguChek XS Operating Temperature	15-32C
Humid Condition	< 85%
Operating Altitude	Upto 4300 metres

• The meter should be kept level when testing
• If storing the meter for a period of time, store it in the carry case provided and
• The meter should not be used near a strong magnetic field, such as a microwave oven, as this may interfere with the meters proper operation.

What should I avoid?

To maintain a safe and reliable system for measuring the INR, you should avoid:

• Operating the device in conditions outside of those listed above
• Removing or inserting a code chip whilst the meter is performing a measurement
• Using a code chip from a box of test strips other than the one in use. To prevent this from happening, change the code chip each time you begin using a new set of test strips and discard the old chip
• Using wet hands to open a container of test strips or wetting the code chip
• Touching test strips with wet hands
• Touching and/or removing the test strip while the device is performing a test
• Delaying application of the blood onto the test strip by more than 15 seconds after the finger has been cut with the lancing device;
• Adding more blood once the test has begun and
• Touching buttons on the device while the device is testing

Tips for improving blood flow for testing

A few simple measures can be taken to increase blood flow to the finger before finger prick testing, including:

• Warm the hand and fingers: This can be done by holding your hand under your armpit, using a hand warmer or washing the hands with warm water;
• Lower the hand below the waist and
• Massage the finger from its base towards the tip. Do not squeeze or press the finger.

Advanced features

Advanced features	Touch screen, Infrared interface, Option to change unit of measurement (%Q, secs, INR), ability to set a therapeutic range
Memory Storage	Up to 100 values (results)

Where can I get more information?

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ROCHE & COAGUCHEK are trademarks of Roche.

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