RomeoMike wrote:



Whoa! Where's all this medical advice coming from? Also, it's quite
possible that tests other than an INR were ordered, requiring a
venipuncture as opposed to a finger stick. No point in making the guy
lose confidence in his facility without more reason.




Its highly unlikely that any other lab testing is being done on an
outpatient basis AT THIS POINT other than an INR. Thats my opinion based
on 18 years in the emergency and critical care fields of healthcare.

Also, for what its worth, I have not heard of any of the hospitals or
outpatient labs in the greater Houston area doing fingerstick INR's, nor
have I had a patient indicate or ask why we arent "pricking their
finger, like at the lab". 4th largest population center in the US, and
I've worked all over it.

Up to this point, I've agreed with everything Tina has said. Its pretty
much on the mark. Afib, when properly anticoagulated, has minimal risk
of sudden incapacitation. This may not be as big of a hindrance as CJ is
worried about.

Dave, RN