Hi 

Does anyone know where I can purchase a Hemocue machine without a prescription?

I really want to keep a closer eye on my blood results.  Last year I had problems with anemia.  I saw a Hematologist on a regular basis and kept a close eye on my blood results.  That is the way I discovered that my condition may be chronic.  At the end of last year my iron was too high and he doesn't need to see me as frequently so I would like to keep track on my own.  

Thanks Kimberly

Kimberly,

Great idea!

In most countries, the Hemocue 201+ Analyzer and accessories (microcuvettes) are licensed only for medical-professional (e.g., physician and nurse) use, and not for patient use, so even having a prescription will often not help you to get it.

Therefore, there are two ways for you to get one.  First, you can ask your medical doctor to order one for him/herself and then pass it on to you, in which case you will have to pay him/her for the expenses (usually, less than US$400). 

Second, you can find it online from a variety of intermediaries (e.g., www.medicaldevicedepot.com or www.willburnmedicalusa.com or www.tigermedical.com) and even on eBay; some of them ask you if you are a medical professional, but they don't really check if you are; others are more stringent; and some don't seem to care.  You will pay for it directly. 

You can try getting your insurance company to cover it, but I would be surprised if you succeeded.

I got mine from eBay. Getting supplies (cuvettes) can be a little trickier, but we have found them on Amazon. Just don't buy in bulk, unless you intend on testing every day. They've got an expiry date.

Hi Kimberly,

I still have my husband's (Mahaff) and would be willing to give it to you if you'd like. It's an Hb201+.  He took very good care of it, kept it in the box along with all the notes and instructions that came with it. There's also a pack of microcuvettes in the box but those are expired, you'll have to buy new ones. I used to purchase them from Amazon.

Let me know if you're interested.

Dee

To everyone else who commented,

Thank you for you input.  I was slightly shy about purchasing such an important piece of medical equipment from Amazon or EBay.  I need to be certain I can rely on accurate results before presenting this information to my Dr.

 I cannot rely on low BP alone anymore.  My blood results are often very different from my BP.  I do not seem to have a BP lower than 98/68 which is well within the range of normal even when my blood results prove that I am in capillary leak.  So I believe that the Hemocue is my best shot at determining  for certain that I am in a chronic state of capillary leak.  

Once again thank you to all for your support 

Kimberly

Hi Kimberyly,

As an FYI, I messaged you yesterday via the rareshare messaging asking for your name and address. Also included my email address as a "just in case". Very grateful I can provide a little bit of help to someone with SCLS. Will await your reply.

Dee

Hi Kimberly,

I mailed the hemocue yesterday, Saturday, 6/10, via USPS. Also, sent you an email with info about the machine.

Dee

Dear Dee,

Got your message and your package! Thanks 

I sent you a private thank you message. 

Kimberly