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development in home testing could revolutionise oral anti-clotting treatment for thousands of patients

New data presented in April 2003 by a study group from University College London Hospitals (UCLH) has shown that allowing patients to test their own blood at home could transform the lives of thousands of people using oral anticoagulation treatment.

Data presented during April 2003 demonstrate that CoaguChekŪ S, developed by Roche Diagnostics (a device which allows people on oral anticoagulation drugs [warfarin] to test their own blood thickness levels), is equal to testing carried out in specialist haematology units. Many of the 750,000 patients currently on oral anticoagulation treatment will see great benefit because they could test their blood at their own convenience.

"This study provides strong evidence for the validity of home testing. We have shown that the accuracy of the device is equal to that of the gold standard hospital-testing, and the potential for improvement in quality of life is immense."
Professor Machin, Professor of Haematology, University College London Hospital.

"Our data is particularly pertinent because the number of patients on oral anticoagulation drugs, such as warfarin, is rising by ten percent every year, due both to an ageing population and an increased use of warfarin in clinical practice."

The Government has highlighted the importance of patients taking an active role in their ongoing healthcare, with their publication of 'The Expert Patient: A New Approach to Chronic Disease Management for the 21st Century'. The preliminary data from UCLH suggests that patient self-testing is a safe alternative to hospital based testing. Furthermore, the reagent strips required for self-testing are now available on prescription.

"Oral anticoagulation drugs can be the difference between life and death for many people. This new evidence will make patients and healthcare professionals alike feel more confident about taking charge of their own blood care, in much the same way people with diabetes have been doing for years."
Eve Knight, AntiCoagulation Europe (ACE).

Traditionally, patients on long-term oral anticoagulation treatment, including warfarin, arising from a variety of conditions, such as heart attacks, deep vein thrombosis, irregular heart beat, valve replacements or congenital heart problems have had to visit their GPs or hospitals for regular checks of their blood clotting levels.