The product is necessary for those who have problems with blood clotting, such as atrial fibrillation, mechanical valve, etc. Despite the relatively higher price, compared to the fact that it is aimed at patients who need frequent monitoring of their INR levels, it remains more cost-effective and convenient than going to a laboratory.

More specifically, with this machine, you can have measurements 24/7, whereas in a laboratory, you cannot. In the laboratory, you would have to pay 10 euros for each measurement, but even if you make a special agreement and pay 5 euros, it is still more cost-effective with this machine.

In detail:
With monthly measurements in a laboratory, we have
12 x 5€ = 60€ per year.
With the machine, we have 24 test strips (which last for 2 years) for 52€, so with monthly measurements, we have
24 x 2.16€ = 52€.

Comparatively,
Laboratory for 2 years: 120€ with a discounted price.
Machine for 2 years: 52€.

For me, the issue is not the price but the fact that it is not prescribed, which is necessary because it relates to serious chronic conditions.

The CoaguChek (Coagulation Check) is a reliable way to IMMEDIATELY measure the INR (International Normalized Ratio) for blood clotting (CoaguChek is used as a reliable device in the medical field in hospitals and clinics).

In my opinion, it is necessary for ALL individuals who have unstable INR (especially if they also have problems with the liver - which is the organ that regulates blood clotting - in addition to anticoagulants).

The cost of the machine is high, but you buy it once and it's worth it. Unfortunately, there is no competition from other companies in INR measuring machines and the prices have remained high for years.

The cost of the test strips is also high, and I hope their price will gradually decrease.

How does it work? Each test strip contains crystals. The CoaguChek measures the time it takes for these crystals to clot when they come into contact with your blood. The slower they clot, the thinner the blood, which is why in measurements where the INR is high, you will notice that the response for the measurement is delayed.

The maximum measurement value is 8. Values above 8 are displayed as ">8" (meaning the machine timed out before the crystals in the test strip could clot).

When you see ">8," you should immediately go to the hospital to have your INR measured, as the values may have gone significantly above the maximum value of 8 and you are seeing ">8" (which is already a very high value).