Tips for Using Home Medical Tests
Visit a drugstore and you'll find lots of home health tests -- everything from blood pressure monitors to drug abuse detectors. As technology advances and consumers become more actively involved in their healthcare, options keep growing. But just because the tests exist doesn't mean they're right for you.
"The question shouldn't be 'Which brand is the most accurate?' but 'Is a home health test appropriate for me?'" says William R. Phillips, M.D., M.P.H., clinical professor of family medicine at the University of Washington.
Still, some home tests can reduce doctor visits and medical costs. They also offer convenient, private access to valuable information about your health.
Just remember that all these tests are prone to error if administered incorrectly. What's more, because your body changes because of varying hormone levels, food intake, medications and overall health, tests can indicate you have a condition when you don't, or that you don't have a condition when you do.
Still see your doctor
"For whatever condition these tests are attempting to monitor or diagnose, there still is a definite need for people to have ongoing physician counseling and medical management," says Randolph Smoak, M.D., past president of the American Medical Association.
Here's what to keep in mind if you decide to take a home test:
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Check the expiration date. If it has passed, don't buy or use the product.
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Check to see that the test has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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Look for warnings on the package.
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Keep tests out of children's reach.
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Carefully read the test literature including directions on how to collect the sample, store the product and any limitations on usage.
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Follow instructions precisely. Note any precautions listed, such as avoiding specific drugs or alcohol, foods or physical activity before taking the test.
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Talk with your doctor if you have any questions before taking the test, and talk again afterward, particularly if you're not sure you understand the meaning of the test results. Your doctor can evaluate the results based on your symptoms and medical history, and advise you on appropriate action to take.
Pregnancy test
This test yields a positive result when it detects a certain level of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a woman's urine. Wait at least two weeks after a missed period before using or the test may erroneously indicate you're not pregnant. For any negative result, repeat the test a week later. If pregnant, see your doctor for proper care.
Also see your doctor if you experience abnormal pain or bleeding. This could be a sign of another condition, including infection, cancer, injury or miscarriage.
Blood pressure monitor
High blood pressure has no symptoms, but this measurement taken several times over a period of days will indicate if you have it.
If you do, visit your doctor to confirm a diagnosis and check for other problems. You should compare the home measurement with the one in your doctor's office to see if you get the same results. A measurement taken at home may be more accurate if you tend to feel anxious in the doctor's presence. Your doctor's can also check your home monitoring equipment to verify its accuracy.
Blood glucose monitor
If you have diabetes, this test measures your blood glucose level. This can help you and your health care provider adjust your medication, insulin, diet and exercise between visits.
Fecal occult blood test
This test detects any blood that may be in your stool. The presence of blood can indicate conditions such as colorectal cancer. The test can record a false positive result if you have hemorrhoids or if you eat red meat, beets or horseradish, or take vitamin C or aspirin. Don't eat these foods or take these medications for two days before you do the test.
Peak flow meter
If you have asthma, taking your peak flow should be a daily part of your self-management plan. Peak flow is measured by a peak flow meter. The peak flow meter shows how fast you can move the air out of your lungs. Daily peak flow measures are compared with your "personal best" peak flow number to determine if your asthma is getting worse or warn you that an asthma attack may occur. Your health care provider will teach you how to use a peak flow meter and develop a plan to interpret peak flow readings.
HIV test
A home HIV test offers the ultimate in privacy. You collect the specimen at home and send it to a lab. Results are available by phone using a code number to ensure your anonymity. If you get positive results, talk to your doctor so you can receive proper counseling, monitoring and medical treatment. If you are at risk for HIV infection, even if your test results were negative, you should talk to your health care provider to discuss ways to decrease your risk
Additional home tests
Other tests available for home use include a fertility monitor for women and a sperm concentration test for men; an ovulation test kit; a menopause test; a vaginal pH test; a urine test for marijuana and another for nicotine; a 12-drug urine screen; a breath alcohol detector; and a test for hepatitis C. Tests are also available for monitoring cholesterol and blood clotting (called prothrombin time), and for urinary tract infections. Home collection kits are available for hyperthyroidism and for illegal drugs. Samples are collected and sent to a lab for analysis. Check with your health care provider before buying or using any of these tests to see if they are right for you.
For more information
These agencies can offer more information on home medical tests: