Abstract
Currently, in Germany, there is a successful program where patients monitor their
own coagulation status through self-testing. The advent of a new generation of coagulometers
has allowed more and more patients to use self-testing to monitor their coagulation
status. The development of a structured training program by the Association of Self-Management
of Anticoagulation (ASA), and the effective cost reimbursement system by health insurance
companies has furthered the success of this program. The reliability of the coagulometers
is quite important to the success of this program, and has been extensively evaluated.
These systems are characterized by high accuracy and precision, and low intra-/interassay
variation. They also exhibit excellent recovery of the therapeutic range. Several
clinical studies have shown that patients performing self-management remain in the
therapeutic range a greater percentage of the time when compared to conventional testing,
and tended to have less incidences of bleeding or thromboembolic complications. It
is estimated that about 50 to 60% of all patients on anticoagulant therapy in Germany
are suitable candidates for self-management.
Keywords:
Oral anticoagulation therapy - patient self-management - home monitors - prothrombin
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