WARFARIN BLOOD TESTING

Hi wonder can anyone help me with a query. We are completing on our property in Orihuela Costa next week (Woohoo!!) and my mum is coming over for the week. Her doctor in Dublin has told her that she must get her Warfarin checked during this time. Can anyone tell me if it is easier to go to a private clinic or to the hospital - whichever is the less hassle for her. I am very new on this board but have learned so much over the past year here!!

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Hi Beano

My mum is on warfarin too and when she comes out to see us we take her to a private clinic for the blood test.  It usually costs about 30 Euros.

However, I can't advise you exactly where to go as I'm based on the Costa del Sol.

I think check out some of the private clinics and see if they can do it.  I think if you go to a general hospital you may find that there can be a delay in getting the results as they often have to send it to the laboratory first.

Best of luck with it.

Justin

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Firstly, I don't think she will be able to get it done at a public hospital anyway, since the EHIC only covers emergency treatment. Even if she can, she would almost certainly need an appointment, and (in my experience) have to join huge crowds in a chaotic and probably rather unpleasant waiting room and wait for a long time for the test, and then for the result.
Secondly, does she know what her level should be, and what dosage to take accordingly? Without her history, I wonder how a clinic here would be able to advise her anyway. Justin, what happens with your mother?
Finally, just in case you come up against blank stares when asking about Warfarin here, the equivalent is called Sintrom.

I agree with Justin though, find a local private clinic and make some enquiries.

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Good point Rob.

My mum has been taking it for 30 years so even though they suggest the amount of warfarin she should take, based on the blood test, she goes by what she knows has worked in the past!  Warfarin patients should carry a card with them anyway showing the history of their medication so another doctor should be able to have a best guess at what the current level of intake should be.

Justin

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Thank you so much Justin and Roberto. I'll get checking for some private clinics. She will need to have the result so she can ring her clinic in Dublin to advise her what dosage to take so I guess the best route would be the private one. Thanks again guys - appreciate the help. xx

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