Roche has announced that next month it will be releasing a new device for patients to test their own blood coagulation parameters, the CoaguChek Vantus. The device, which looks like a cellular phone from a few years ago, has Bluetooth connectivity built-in, which lets it dump its INR readings to the patient’s smartphone and then automatically to the clinicians working with the patient.
The idea was to reduce visits to the clinic while making things easier to keep track of for patients on warfarin. If setup and used correctly, the device alleviates any manual tracking of coagulation readings. “As healthcare systems face continued pressure to deliver improved access to care at a lower cost, increased connectivity between healthcare providers and patients becomes even more important,” said Dr. Alan Wright, Chief Medical Officer, Roche Diagnostics, in a published statement. “This innovative technology sets the standard in coagulation monitoring by providing high quality, convenient testing, while optimizing the patient result reporting workflow.
The company hopes that wider adoption of self-testing will help more patients stay in the safe range while getting the benefit from warfarin that is expected.
Some of the features of the CoaguChek Vantus, according to the product page:
Bluetooth technology enables seamless INR result reporting for results you can trust
Full-color display with easy-to-use on-screen instructions
Programmable test reminders for patients
Training and 24/7 technical service direct from the manufacturer.
Product page: CoaguChek Vantus…
Via: Roche…
