|  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 take control of their
health, 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 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 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.
"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., a past president
of the American Medical Association.
If you decide to take a home test:
| • |
Check the
expiration date. If it has passed, don't
buy the product. |
| • |
Look for warnings on
the package. |
| • |
Keep tests out of
children's reach. |
| • |
Carefully read the
test literature including directions on
how to store the product and any limitations
on usage. |
| • |
Follow instructions
precisely. Note precautions in the literature,
such as avoiding specific drugs or alcohol,
foods or physical activity before taking
the test. |
| • |
Talk with your doctor
if you have any questions before taking
the test, and talk again afterward. Your
doctor can evaluate the results based
on your symptoms and medical history. |
Pregnancy test
This test yields a positive result when it
detects a certain level of a specific hormone
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. Your symptoms could be a sign
of another condition.
Blood pressure monitor
High blood pressure has no symptoms, but this
test 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 test with the one in your doctor's
office to see if you get the same results. A
test taken at home may be more accurate if you
tend to feel anxious in the doctor's presence.
Blood glucose monitor
Used by people with diabetes, this test indicates
blood glucose levels. This can help your doctor
adjust your medication, insulin, diet and exercise
between visits.
Fecal occult blood test
This test finds blood in the stool, which can
indicate colorectal cancer. However, the test
can record a false positive result if you have
hemorrhoids or eat red meat the night before
taking it.
HIV test
A home HIV test offers the ultimate in privacy.
If you get positive results, consult with your
doctor so you can receive proper counseling,
monitoring and medical treatment.
Copyright 2003 Health
Ink and Vitality Communications, 780 Township
Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067, 1-800-524-1176
Publication: Vitality magazine
Publication Date: May 2003
Author: Barbara Floria
Source: Family physician William R. Phillips,
M.D.
Online Editor: Dianna Sinovic
Online Medical Reviewer: Cynthia Godsey, M.S.N.,
F.N.P./C., Gordon Lambert, M.D.
Date Last Modified: 7/14/03
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