BajaNomad

Lab Test?

redmesa - 1-8-2012 at 02:40 PM

You guys know so much so here is my question....Can I get an INR test done at the lab in Guerrero Negro. I take blood thinners and have to be tested every 2 weeks.

ncampion - 1-8-2012 at 04:31 PM

A Prothrombin Time and calculated INR are basisc lab tests that even a small lab should be able to do for you.

Pescador - 1-8-2012 at 04:55 PM

Mike, you can get the test and it is called something like Tiempo de Thrombosis. The results are not in INR time and need to be converted, but you home doctor should be able to do the conversion. We had to do weekly tests with Marika and once we learned how to do the conversion everything went really smoothly.

shari - 1-9-2012 at 08:16 AM

there is a lab in Vizcaino too....and maybe we can set something up for you at the local hospital here so you wouldnt have to go out (unless you want to go to the segundas anyway!)...they do lab stuff once a week and send it in to GN lab.

INR and TTP are NOT the same

EnsenadaDr - 1-9-2012 at 08:26 AM

INR stands for International Normalized Ratio and TTP is the same as PTT in the US which stands for Prothrombin Time..they are NOT the same test..they both measure two different coagulation factors on the coagulation cascade...and as was mentioned here correctly, is available at any lab worth its weight in sangre!!!
Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
Mike, you can get the test and it is called something like Tiempo de Thrombosis. The results are not in INR time and need to be converted, but you home doctor should be able to do the conversion. We had to do weekly tests with Marika and once we learned how to do the conversion everything went really smoothly.

INR every two weeks

EnsenadaDr - 1-9-2012 at 08:28 AM

Hi Mike,
An INR every two weeks seems a bit excessive...once a month is all they do in the US and that is quite sufficient...
Quote:
Originally posted by redmesa
You guys know so much so here is my question....Can I get an INR test done at the lab in Guerrero Negro. I take blood thinners and have to be tested every 2 weeks.

wessongroup - 1-9-2012 at 08:31 AM

Thanks Doc... :):)

redmesa - 1-9-2012 at 10:19 AM

Thanks to all. I am not sure who Mike is but we are not Mike. Mike is a fine name and I like Mike.

ncampion - 1-9-2012 at 03:04 PM

As Snopes would say, "Mostly correct". INR is a calculation based on the results of a Prothrombin Time (or PT) test, which corrects the result to an international standard so differect test sytems can be correlated by your doctor. That is different from the PTT test (sometimes called APTT)which stands for Partial Thromboplastin Time test (or Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) which measures a different part of the coagulation sequence, as stated. The PT/INR is used to monitor Coumadin (or Warfarin) therapy taken orally, while the PTT test is used to monitor heparin therapy which is given IV, not at home. This comes from someone who was a Clinical Laboratory Director for 25 years. Not sure this made things clearer or muddier, but in any case from my experience, you should be able to get the proper test in any lab in Baja
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
INR stands for International Normalized Ratio and TTP is the same as PTT in the US which stands for Prothrombin Time..they are NOT the same test..they both measure two different coagulation factors on the coagulation cascade...and as was mentioned here correctly, is available at any lab worth its weight in sangre!!!

You are correct..

EnsenadaDr - 1-9-2012 at 05:17 PM

I remembered that PTT you used for Heparin calculation, and PT/INR for Coumadin..and that each one took a different pathway..I failed to look up the correct abbreviation for PTT...The prothrombin time (PT) and its derived measures of prothrombin ratio (PR) and international normalized ratio (INR) are measures of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation. This test is also called "ProTime INR" and "INR PT". They are used to determine the clotting tendency of blood, in the measure of warfarin dosage, liver damage, and vitamin K status. PT measures factors I, II, V, VII, and X. It is used in conjunction with the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) which measures the intrinsic pathway..glad to have reviewed it, thanks!!!
As Snopes would say, "Mostly correct". INR is a calculation based on the results of a Prothrombin Time (or PT) test, which corrects the result to an international standard so differect test sytems can be correlated by your doctor. That is different from the PTT test (sometimes called APTT)which stands for Partial Thromboplastin Time test (or Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) which measures a different part of the coagulation sequence, as stated. The PT/INR is used to monitor Coumadin (or Warfarin) therapy taken orally, while the PTT test is used to monitor heparin therapy which is given IV, not at home. This comes from someone who was a Clinical Laboratory Director for 25 years. Not sure this made things clearer or muddier, but in any case from my experience, you should be able to get the proper test in any lab in Baja
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
INR stands for International Normalized Ratio and TTP is the same as PTT in the US which stands for Prothrombin Time..they are NOT the same test..they both measure two different coagulation factors on the coagulation cascade...and as was mentioned here correctly, is available at any lab worth its weight in sangre!!!


[Edited on 1-10-2012 by EnsenadaDr]

BajaBlanca - 1-9-2012 at 05:31 PM

Les was getting his INR tested weekly at the lab in punta abreojos 2 years ago when he had heart trouble.

Weekly INRs

EnsenadaDr - 1-9-2012 at 05:33 PM

what I have seen in my experience is that a hospitalized patient will get his INR adjusted in the hospital and then follow as an outpatient every month...I'd like to hear from the lab manager on his experiences on outpatient INR's....
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Les was getting his INR tested weekly at the lab in punta abreojos 2 years ago when he had heart trouble.

redmesa - 1-9-2012 at 08:09 PM

Thanks Blanca...close to home and first hand knowledge. You can not beat that! With luck we may see you soon.

ncampion - 1-10-2012 at 08:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
what I have seen in my experience is that a hospitalized patient will get his INR adjusted in the hospital and then follow as an outpatient every month...I'd like to hear from the lab manager on his experiences on outpatient INR's....
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Les was getting his INR tested weekly at the lab in punta abreojos 2 years ago when he had heart trouble.


I agree with this. However it usually takes about 48 - 72 hours for a dosage change to affect the INR so it is sometimes difficult to get the INR stabilized during a hospital stay. Not unusual for a patient to get weekly INR's for the first month or so until it gets stabilized, then monthly is generally fine. Individual response to Coumadin is quite variable and getting it adjusted is somewhat of an art. Best to follow what your Dr. says carefully as the negative consequences can be significant.