Scene 1: Introduction (1 minute)
In today's world, balancing cost and quality of care has become increasingly important. With an aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the strain on healthcare systems, faster and more accessible patient monitors are needed across medicine.
I'm here to share a solution that is already making a difference for millions of people who take anticoagulants, commonly known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
In the UK, it's estimated that at least 1% of the population, nearly 700,000 people, take warfarin alone. Overall - 5% of the UK's drug budget being spent on DOACs by the NHS.
Patients taking anticoagulants must regularly monitor their International Normalised Ratio (more commonly known as their INR), which usually involves hospital visits and waiting for blood test results. Slowing down already overstretched clinics, & labs. While making patients wait longer for care.
But now, there's a solution saving both time and money - Quick INR testing. This innovative technology has been transforming the way we monitor anticoagulant therapy patients.
[~1 Min 2 Seconds]
Scene 2: Understanding the International Normalised Ratio (INR)
(IMAGE ON SCREEN OF INR Formula)
First, we need to understand what INR is. The INR is a measurement of the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy. The purpose of this treatment is to prevent harmful blood clots from forming in the body, which can lead to serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
The INR value is calculated by comparing a patient's blood clotting time to a normal control sample. The control sample's clotting time is raised to the power of an international sensitivity index (ISI) value, which measures the sensitivity of the thromboplastin reagent used in the test. The resulting value provides a standardized measurement of how long it takes a patient's blood to clot compared to the control sample.
Regular monitoring of INR is crucial to ensure that the blood-thinning treatment is effectively controlling blood clots while avoiding the risk of bleeding.
[45 Seconds]
Scene 3: Understanding the Technology
Quick INR testing devices features sensors that measure the changing electrical resistance of a blood sample.
Prothrombin is a liver-produced protein that participates in blood clotting. An injury triggers prothrombin to convert to thrombin, which changes fibrinogen to fibrin, the primary component of blood clots.
The test measures the electrical resistance change resulting from these reactions in the blood sample, calculates the INR value.
By using this technology, patients can perform the test at home and get their results within five minutes. The results are accurate and reliable, allowing patients and healthcare providers to adjust their medication as needed.
[1 Minute 20 Seconds]
Scene 4: Alternatives to Quick INR
One of the alternatives to Quick INR testing is traditional laboratory testing, which typically involves taking a sample of blood in a hospital or clinic and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. However, traditional lab testing is more expensive, prone to external factors, and takes several hours or even days to get results.
Quick INR testing is a convenient and cost-effective alternative that provides reliable and timely results.
[22 Seconds]
Scene 5: CoaguChek XS Plus
The CoaguChek XS Plus is an example of a Quick INR testing device that provides accurate INR measurement through a simple finger prick. Results are displayed within 5 minutes on the device's screen, and it is portable and easy to use. The device features sensors that measure the changing electrical resistance of a blood sample.
If the blood sample is contaminated the device alerts you instantly allowing the sample to be retaken. This prevents patients having to return to hospital for repeat samples.
The device has been validated by regulatory authorities for self-testing at home and is improving the quality of life for millions of people who take anticoagulants.
[27 seconds]
Scene 6: Conclusion
Quick INR testing is an important advancement in anticoagulation therapy, making the process more convenient, affordable, and accessible for patients. With this innovative technology, healthcare providers can quickly and accurately monitor patients' INR levels, adjust their anticoagulant medication as needed, and improve their overall quality of care