I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: Vt Big Rig on June 06, 2016, 04:11:41 AM

Title: HGb Testing
Post by: Vt Big Rig on June 06, 2016, 04:11:41 AM: When I was at FMC we drew a sample to check HGb once every week. Depending on the result my nurse would call and tell me to adjust my EPO up or down and by how much.

Now, since we moved we are going to an independent clinic. They only take labs once a month, including Hgb. And when my bride asked them about my iron stats they looked at her like she had three heads. I used to get iron infusion two out of three months on average.

So I am curious as to how often most of you have a hemoglobin test.

I am still on EPO since I had a bad reaction to Micera (sp?) At this place I guess they call it Darby
Title: Re: HGb Testing
Post by: Simon Dog on June 06, 2016, 06:28:56 AM: The FMC clinic I use has a formula for the frequency of HGB testing.

Always monthly. If it's low, more Micera in two weeks with an interim HGB. If I have a blood loss event (failure to rinseback the blood from the cycler), I get an HGB shortly thereafter.
Title: Re: HGb Testing
Post by: kickingandscreaming on June 06, 2016, 07:15:39 AM: I'm on PD and get Hbg tested once a month (American Renal clinic). I get EPO shots twice/month (at the clinic as I can't/won't do them myself).
Title: Re: HGb Testing
Post by: iolaire on June 06, 2016, 07:25:34 AM: Quote from: Simon Dog on June 06, 2016, 06:28:56 AM
The FMC clinic I use has a formula for the frequency of HGB testing.

Always monthly. If it's low, more Micera in two weeks with an interim HGB. If I have a blood loss event (failure to rinseback the blood from the cycler), I get an HGB shortly thereafter.

I believe my DaVita Center is similar, monthly labs and if EPO is given it becomes every two weeks.
Title: Re: HGb Testing
Post by: cassandra on June 06, 2016, 02:42:33 PM: Hemoglobin Monthly, iron stats every 3 Months. EPO 2 and or 3 times a week
Title: Re: HGb Testing
Post by: PrimeTimer on June 06, 2016, 02:58:22 PM: I draw my husband's labs at home monthly. This includes hemoglobin. Since Micera didn't work for him they put him back on EPO. He gives himself injections twice a week on his off days. The amount depends on his lab results. The nurse calls to tell him. If he needs iron, the nurse gives that to him via a small IV at his monthly appt.
Title: Re: HGb Testing
Post by: SutureSelf on June 06, 2016, 05:59:31 PM: My center's protocol is to check Hgb as part of monthly lab draws. If taking EPO, then checked twice a month to make sure in range and make dosage adjustments as necessary.
Title: Re: HGb Testing
Post by: Fabkiwi06 on June 07, 2016, 01:26:33 PM: DCI Home Clinic here and we're also checking them monthly with Arenesp bi weekly, unless it's extremely low. Then, they'll check and prick weekly.