Atrial fibrillation and heart valve disease: self-monitoring coagulation status using point-of-care coagulometers (the CoaguChek XS system)

3 Summary of NICE recommendations

NICE's diagnostics guidance on atrial fibrillation and heart valve disease assessed 2 point-of-care coagulometers (CoaguChek XS and InRatio2 PT/INR) to help the NHS decide whether to use these products for people to self-test or self-manage their coagulation status.

The recommendations originally included the InRatio2 PT/INR, but this was withdrawn from the market in October 2016 and is no longer available

CoaguChek XS is recommended for self-monitoring coagulation status in adults and children on long-term vitamin K antagonist therapy who have atrial fibrillation or heart valve disease, if they prefer this form of monitoring and they (or their carer) are both physically and cognitively able to self-monitor effectively.

People (and their carers) who will be using 1 of these devices should be trained in their effective use and clinicians involved in their care should regularly review their ability to self-monitor.