The benefits and advantages are clear:
- No need for external liquid quality control or extra strips
- No need for separate device to check electronic controls
- Reduces paperwork and materials cost
- Simple interface, easy to learn and use
- Ensures reliability on each and every test
- Entire test procedure requires fewer steps
- Portable size increases geographic freedom
Features
- Performs electronic system self-test automatically.
- System is self-maintaining, only routine cleaning needed.
- On-board quality control system.
- Performs self-diagnostics to detect testing problems.
- Easy interface to change the time, date, and other features.
- Large, easy to read screen.
- Lightweight, portable hand-held size.
- Uses four AA batteries or an AC adapter as a power source.
- Stores up to 60 test results in memory.
- Built-in port for printing / electronic communication.
The benefits and advantages are clear:
- No need for external liquid quality control or extra strips
- No need for separate device to check electronic controls
- Reduces paperwork and materials cost
- Simple interface, easy to learn and use
- Ensures reliability on each and every test
- Entire test procedure requires fewer steps
- Portable size increases geographic freedom
The INRatio Meter: What it Does:
Thrombotic Disorders
The human body has a complex mechanism that causes blood to clot if a wound occurs. Under normal circumstances this is a desirable response that enables wounds to heal, but under certain clinical conditions, called "thrombotic disorders", this same mechanism can cause an unwanted blood clot or "thrombus" that can be life threatening. Examples of thrombotic disorders include atrial fibrillation, heart attack, deep vein thrombosis, and acute ischemic stroke.
Oral Anticoagulants
Thrombotic disorders must be managed through the use of an oral anticoagulant, a drug which decreases the clotting ability of the blood so unwanted clots are prevented. More than 6 million people worldwide are treated with oral anticoagulants such as Coumadin® or generic sodium warfarin.
The Prothrombin Time Test
Oral anticoagulant treatments must be monitored carefully. If the dose is too low, an unwanted clot could form. If the dose is too high, there is risk of internal and external bleeding. A Prothrombin Time (PT) test is the most common way to measure the clotting time of blood, and is thus used to help manage oral anticoagulant therapy.
The INRatio Meter
The INRatio meter measures Prothrombin Time (PT), allowing oral anticoagulant patients to monitor the clotting time of their blood more effectively. The meter also reports results as an International Normalized Ratio (INR), a conversion unit which is a standardized method of reporting PT results.
The INRatio Meter: How it Works
1. A Test Strip is inserted into the meter. The meter automatically performs a self-check to prepare for the test.
2. A drop of fresh whole blood from a fingerstick is applied to the test strip.
3. The blood is drawn into the test area by capillary action where it mixes with reagents that cause coagulation to begin.
4. The meter performs the PT test AND 2 quality control tests (high and low) simultaneously, and determines whether the high and low controls are within preset limits. If they are, strip integrity is verified, and the meter reports the PT test result. If they are not, the meter displays an ERROR message.
5. The test results are displayed in less than 2 minutes as an INR only, or PT seconds and INR, whichever the user prefers.
The INRatio Test Strip
Unique Electrochemical Technology
The INRatio™ single-use test strip is made of laminated layers of transparent plastic. The simple design features a sample well where blood is applied, 3 channels through which the blood sample flows to reach the testing areas, reagents to start the coagulation process, and electrodes that interface with the INRatio meter.
Built-In Quality Controls
The meter uses the test strip's 3 channel technology to perform the PT test AND 2 quality control tests (high and low) simultaneously, and determines whether the high and low controls are within preset limits.
If they are, strip integrity is verified, and the meter reports the PT test result. If they are not, the meter displays an ERROR message. The unique technology of the INRatio strip performs the Quality Control test alongside the actual test sample, requiring no additional steps.
Benefits of the INRatio System
On Board Quality Control
The INRatio™ system automatically measures two levels of quality control on each test, eliminating the additional cost, time, and paperwork of a separate control procedure.
Electronic Self-Test
The meter automatically performs electronic self-tests for battery condition, proper heating range, temperature and memory on each test, assuring the user that the device is working properly.
Procedure Self-Test
The meter checks for common procedure errors, such as insufficient blood samples, used test strips, or using the meter outside the proper temperature range. This helps diminish operator error, increasing the likelihood of accurate results.
Fast Results
The meter reports results within 2 minutes, greatly reducing overall test time and the time-consuming hassle of repeated clinic/lab follow-up.
Easy to Use
The meter was designed to operate as simply as a telephone, with three easy buttons and a large viewable screen.
Data Communication
The meter can store 60 test results in memory, and download information to a computer or printer through a simple built-in port.
Portable
The hand-held meter can be transported easily.