Roche launches home testing device for anticoagulant patients
Roche has announced the European launch of the CoaguChek INRange system, a Bluetooth enabled PT/INR home health device that allows users to better monitor their coagulation and Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA) therapy
The CoaguChek INRange system enables healthcare providers (HCPs) to monitor anticoagulated patient PT/INR data, while reducing visits to the lab, according to Roche.
The CoaguChek INRange system helps patients build a deeper understanding of their PT/INR results through frequent self-testing and according to Roche, enables physicians to have access to patient data in near real-time.
Frequent self-testing offers both clinical and patient benefit as patients that adhere to their monitoring therapy spend more time in their therapeutic range, which Roche said results in lower incidence of stroke or bleeding.
Roland Diggelmann, COO, Roche Diagnostics, said: “As healthcare systems face continued pressure to deliver improved access to care at a lower cost, increased connectivity between HCPs and patients becomes even more important.
“This innovative technology continues the CoaguChek legacy of setting the standard in coagulation monitoring by providing high quality, convenient care, while optimising outcomes for patients.
“This is another proof point towards our aim to position patient self-testing as the standard of care to monitor VKA therapy.”
Usual care or management of patients on VKA therapy includes frequent visits to the hospital or general practitioner for PT/INR testing with a venipuncture and waiting up to 2-3 days for the lab results. Roche said that the CoaguChek INRange system engages patients in their care with a simple fingerstick and 60-second test.
Juan Carlos Souto, physician at the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona, Spain, said: "In a clinical environment, we need to establish a model of care that empowers patients, helping them to understand their health condition and allowing them to take responsibility of their own health care needs.
“The new technology will enable us to access the test results in the clinic’s database, to keep track of the individual patient’s status and to measure the quality of care provided by our clinic."