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How about this!

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10 years 11 months ago - 10 years 11 months ago #44531 by ananta
How about this! was created by ananta
Hello All,

I'm excited, coming soon will be a way to get platelets tested for $3.08 per test! With just a drop of blood. At a convenient location, no appointment needed, just stop in at your local Walgreens!

Elizabeth Holmes, now America's youngest billionaire, started her own company changing how blood tests are done. Right now it's only available in Arizona and a small part of CA, but they will be expanding.

Here's the article about her from CNN:
money.cnn.com/2014/10/16/technology/theranos-elizabeth-holmes/index.html?hpt=hp_t5

Here is a list of the tests they are doing:
www.theranos.com/test-menu?ref=our_solution

I am looking forward to this! I plan on getting a B12 and Vitamin D test too!

Here is the companies website if you want to explore more:
www.theranos.com/
  • CindyAnn
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  • Diagnosed Jan 10, 2008. Rituxan treatment in May 2009. Treated with Prednisone off and on until 08/23/17 - 12.5mg Promacta as of 10/22/17
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10 years 11 months ago - 10 years 11 months ago #44541 by CindyAnn
Replied by CindyAnn on topic How about this!
That sounds GREAT - now it just needs to come to Washington
10 years 11 months ago #44542 by
Replied by on topic How about this!
I think that sounds great for those who don't have insurance [is that allowed now?] or for those with a large copay. Elizabeth Holmes, wow she has done great!

Although I'm one who would rather have a tiny needle stick me than to have a finger "prick" as I feel those things are barbaric!
  • Sandi
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  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
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10 years 11 months ago #44545 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic How about this!
Although this article is from 1997, I have read the same thing many times....finger sticks are not reliable for platelet counts as they can produce a lower platelet count than the venous sticks. Squeezing the finger releases liquid from tissues which dilutes the platelets. That would not be a problem for those that do not have ITP, but could make a huge difference for those who do. Only time will tell, but this might not be an option for ITP'ers. I'd definitely check with your doctors before doing this.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9365861

I know. I'm always a killjoy.
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10 years 11 months ago #44546 by Ann
Replied by Ann on topic How about this!
What I would do is have one of these new tests on the same day that I had a normal test and compare.

The fact that it is from 1997 is worriesome. Is it all still available or has it all disappeared?
  • Sandi
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  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
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10 years 11 months ago #44548 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic How about this!
Well, I figure that finger sticks and venous punctures haven't probably changed much since 1997. I'd imagine the procedures are the same.

But good idea having both done on the same day.
10 years 11 months ago #44553 by
Replied by on topic How about this!
Having both [stick & a finger slice] on the same day, I don't know. Count fluctuates, so for the "true" test I'd say do them both at the same time.

I had heard that too Sandi - the finger "prick" isn't good since the blood has to be squeezed out.
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10 years 11 months ago #44574 by Aoi
Replied by Aoi on topic How about this!
I've been reading about these new tests for a while. I even asked one of my phlembotomists about various ways to draw blood for platelet counts, including how and where to draw the blood, needle size, and anticoagulant.

As Sandi said, these issues and others make a difference in the resulting platelet count. Until someone sorts out what these differences are, ITPers may be stuck going to their hematology lab for routine platelet counts. Perhaps a letter from the PDSA to the developers or these new tests or to Walgreens would help clarify these issues more quickly. Can the PDSA do that?
  • Sandi
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  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
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10 years 11 months ago #44575 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic How about this!
I don't know if they can or would. Let's see how all of this goes first. If any of you see your Hemo's soon, ask them what they think in the meantime.
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10 years 10 months ago #45031 by SuperDave1
Replied by SuperDave1 on topic How about this!
Wish I'd seen this post before my last visit to my Hemotologist .
But will ask @ next visit .
Very interesting , but I am treating it with guarded optimism , until it reaches my area.
(NJ)
will also question@ next support group meeting !
(both in Jan-'15)

THANKS

SuperDave
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10 years 8 months ago #46241 by SuperDave1
Replied by SuperDave1 on topic How about this!
i have hemo appt in 2 days....
2/13/15
will check & advise
  • Sandi
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  • Sandi Forum Moderator Diagnosed in 1998, currently in remission. Diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. Last Count - 344k - 6-9-18
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10 years 8 months ago #46251 by Sandi
Replied by Sandi on topic How about this!
We'll be waiting! ;)
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