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In Western countries, coronary heart disease
is the leading cause of death. An elevated blood cholesterol level
is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease.
We of offer 2 types of cholesterol test the
first test looks for the presence of both HDL
(good) cholesterol and Total cholesterol. By
measuring your Total cholesterol and your HDL cholesterol, you will
get more information about both separate values and therefore a
more detailed and accurate reading.
The second test looks for
the presence of Total cholesterol. This test is ideal for you to
get a general idea of the total cholesterol levels in your blood.
This
test is suitable for you to do at home and contains 2 cassettes. One test
cassette measures total cholesterol in the blood sample, the other test
cassette measures HDL cholesterol. Both test cassettes work identically.
These tests are suitable for you
to do at home. The Diabetes Test contains 2 test strips and the Cholesterol Test is a single test strip. This
test is simple to use and takes only 60 seconds.
Cholesterol is a soft waxy substance which is required
by the body to keep itself healthy, but too much cholesterol circulating
in the blood is a health risk. As cholesterol is not water-soluble it
must bind to special proteins before it can be carried in the bloodstream.
These special proteins are called lipoproteins, there are 2 main types
of lipoproteins, High density lipoproteins (HDL) and Low density lipoproteins
(LDL). HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because
it seems to carry the cholesterol away from your heart and blood vessels,
preventing the narrowing of the arteries. LDL is known as "bad"
cholesterol as it is the type most likely to build up on artery walls.
For
more detailed information on cholesterol click
here.
Why do I need this test?
If the cells in the body are given more cholesterol than
they can use, they have no way of getting rid of the excess and so the
unused cholesterol can form deposits in the coronary arteries, which restricts
blood flow to the heart. This condition is known as arteriosclerosis and
is the leading cause of coronary heart disease. For more information and
other risk factors of heart disease, click
here.
Reducing a high cholesterol level can reduce the chance
of dying of a heart attack or stroke in people who have coronary diseases,
as well as those individuals who have no evidence of heart disease. Therefore,
evidence indicates that monitoring whole cholesterol is in the interest
of everyone.
How often should my cholesterol levels be checked?
There are conflicting opinions as to how often cholesterol
should be tested. You can ask your doctor for advice on how often he/she
recommends you have your cholesterol tested. It is usually recommended
that cholesterol testing should be performed on all adults aged 20 years
and older.
How
does the HDL and Total Cholesterol Test work?
Introduction
In Western countries, coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death. An elevated blood cholesterol level is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease. However, not only the concentration of the total cholesterol is important, but also the ratio between the "good" HDL cholesterol and the "bad" LDL cholesterol.
The MiraTes Cholesterol HomeTest + consists of two tests which enables you to calculate your total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio. This ratio gives a reliable impression of your personal risk for coronary heart disease.
Why test for total and HDL cholesterol?
A single measurement of only the total cholesterol does not tell anything about the relation between "good" HDL cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol. By measuring the total cholesterol and the HDL cholesterol, you do not only get more information about both separate values, but also provides information about their relation to one another. Worldwide research has shown that this total cholesterol/HDL ratio is a reliable value to determine the risk for coronary heart disease.
How does the test work?
In order to determine the risk factor for coronary heart
disease, you only have to divide the result of the total cholesterol measurement
by the result of the HDL cholesterol measurement. This total cholesterol/HDL
ratio can be compared with the table further down. Please take into account
that results are different for gender. The cholesterol test is very easy
to use and can be performed at any time or place. With the convenient
finger pricker you can easily obtain the required drops of blood.
Contents of test:
1 white foil pack containing a Total cholesterol
cassette
1 white foil pack containing a HDL cholesterol
cassette
1 yellow conversion chart for Total Cholesterol
1 yellow conversion chart for HDL Cholesterol
3 fingerprickers
2 band-aids
instructions for use
Test procedure
Read all instructions included with
the test thoroughly before performing the test.
Preparation for testing
This is a one time disposable test. Do not open
the foil pouch until ready to use. Do not pull the tab until advised.
You will need a clock, timer or a watch.
Open the kit and place all the contents on a table
or other flat surface. Make sure you have all the parts and if any part
of the test device is broken or opened, do not use this kit.
Throw away the desiccant (drying packet).
Do not activate the finger stick device (lancet)
until you are ready to draw the blood sample. The lancet is one time
use only.
Warnings:
This test is not for use by haemophiliacs or those
taking medicines that thin blood (anticoagulants).
Do not use the test in direct sunlight.
Recent pregnancy, illness and birth control may
influence your cholesterol levels.
Do not use the test after the expiry date.
People who have taken 500 mg or more Vitamin C or a standard
dose of acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or Naproxen, within 4 hours before
performing the test.
Only use the result charts which come with this kit
to find your test results. A chart from another kit will give an inaccurate
result.
Instructions
for Test
Step 1: Opening the package
When stored in refrigerator, allow the test to reach room
temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing. Open the first while foil pack
and use the test as soon as possible. Do not open the foil pack of the
second test before you are ready to perform the second test. It does not
matter which test you decide to take first. Both tests are performed in
the same manner. The silica gel (absorbing pack) should not be used and
can be thrown away.
Step 2: Preparations for the finger
pricker
Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Rinse and dry
them well before starting the test. Find a quiet place to perform the
test, preferably sitting down in front of a table. Next warm up your hands
by massaging them and to increase blood flow even more, let your hand
hang down for approximately 30 seconds.
Step 3: Finger pricker
Attention! The finger pricker is for single-use and can
not be re-used in order to avoid contamination.
Turn the white protective tab at least two times completely
round then pull the white protective tab carefully from the finger pricker.
Press the finger pricker firmly against the side of your
fingertip. While pressing the fingerpricker against your finger, push
the white button firmly until a click is heard.
The needle will retract into the finger pricker for safe
disposal. Gently massage your finger towards the finger tip.
Step 4: Adding blood
The blood needs to be added within 5 minutes.
Hold your finger above the black circle. Massage your finger gently in
the direction of your fingertip, so that a drop of blood appears.
Attention: Do not massage your finger
to hard, this can influence the test result. Let the drop of blood fall
on the bottom of the test, proceed until the black circle is no longer
visible. If the black circle is still visible you should continue adding
blood. Once the black circle is no longer visible, you need to wait 3
to 4 minutes before you proceed with step 5.
Step 5: Activating the test
Hold the test firmly in your hand and pull the transparent
tab on the right side of the test until the arrow is fully visible. PULL
HARD!! Do not worry about breaking the tab or spilling the blood. Next
tap the bottom of the test (where the transparent tab is) on a table a
couple of times then lay down the test, result side up, on a flat surface
(the table). The O.K. indicator will turn purple after a couple of minutes.
Then a purple line will flow through the window next to the scale. The
“END” indicator will turn green after about 12 minutes. Read the results
of the test after both the O.K. indicator and the END indicator have changed
colour.
Step 6: Reading the test result
Read the result under good, bright light. Look for the
outmost end of the blue/purple line, even when this becomes faint at the
end. Next, read the matching value on the scale next to the line. This
value is the test result not your cholesterol level.
With the yellow conversion charts you will be able to read
your cholesterol level (in mmol/L), matching the value you found on the
scale next to the blue/purple line. Write your cholesterol level in mmol/L
down.
Attention: Use the yellow conversion chart matching
the test cassette to determine your cholesterol level. Only use the inserted
conversion charts. Charts of other tests may give incorrect results. Click here to read the conversion charts.
Disposal
After use place the different components of the test into
the original box and secure the lid. Dispose the box carefully in your
dustbin.
Interpreting Cholesterol Results
Using the yellow conversion charts enclosed with the test
you can convert the reading you got from the test cassette to mmol/L.
Total Cholesterol
less than 5 mmol/L
healthy total cholesterol
5 to 6,5 mmol/L
slightly elevated total cholesterol
6,5 to 8 mmol/L
high total cholesterol
8 mmol/L or more
strongly elevated total cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
MALE
less than 1,0 mmol/L
elevated risk
more than 1,0 mmol/L
no elevated risk
FEMALE
less than 1,1 mmol/L
elevated risk
more than 1,1 mmol/L
no elevated risk
Interpreting the risk for coronary disease
When you have performed both tests and written down both cholesterol levels, you may determine your risk for coronary disease. To do this divide the value of the total cholesterol by the value of the HDL cholesterol:
Example:
Your total cholesterol reading on the cassette is 25, look this up on the results card, this is 4.9mmol/L. Your HDL reading on the cassette is 40, look this up on the result card the reading is 1.71mmol/L. Both these results fall into the no elevated risk category. To get the ratio divide 4.9 by 1.71, your ratio would be 2.865. In the risk chart below you can see that the risk for coronary disease is not elevated at the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio of 2.865.
In the UK, the average total cholesterol level is 5.7mmol/L.
Total Cholesterol / HDL Cholesterol Ratio
MAN
FEMALE
No elevated risk
less than 5,0
less than 4,5
Slightly elevated risk
5,0 – 6,5
4,5 – 5,9
Elevated risk
6,5 – 8,0
5,9 – 7,3
Strong elevated risk
8,0 or more
7,3 or more
To read more on what to do with your results click here.
How does the Total Only Cholesterol Home Test work?
Using the Visual Cholesterol test it is possible to check
quickly the cholesterol level in blood. If the level is high then you
should contact your doctor and in this way you could significantly reduce
heart disease risk. Cholesterol level in blood is affected by diet and
also by: drugs, diabetes mellitus, pregnancy and serious diseases. You should perform this test after fasting for at
least 6-9 hours.
Make sure you have a watch or clock ready. Read instructions
fully before carrying out the test.
When
ready to perform the test open the plastic container and remove one
of the test strips. Close the container back up when the strip has been removed. Make sure
that the protective cap has not been removed from the lancet.
Wash hands with hot water and
soap and dry them well. Using gentle pressure, massage the finger from
which the sample is to be taken (the middle or ring finger is the best)
by gently working the thumb of your free hand up to the tip of the finger.
Carefully twist off the protective cap from the
lancet as shown in the first picture below and then remove.
Press the lancet very firmly
against the soft pad of your finger tip and press the blue button on
the side of the lancet until you hear a click- this releases a very
short needle, enough only to prick the skin. It is important to press
the finger pricker firmly against the fingertip otherwise the skin will
not be punctured.
Holding the punctured site downwards,
with palm of hand facing upwards, continue to gently massage the finger
until a large drop of blood appears.
Add a drop of blood to the white reactive pad, the square
area marked by 2 green lines (the side which shows the blood drop).
Ensure your finger does not touch the reactive area.
Wait about 35-40 seconds to allow the chemical reaction
to occur.
Turn the strip over and within the next 25 seconds compare
the developed colour in the circular area of the strip with each coloured
area of the comparative card by positioning the strip behind the
holes in the card.
Find the closest matching colour and read the
results below.
Since the test result is semi-quantitative evaluation involving
colour, shade and intensity, it is useful the opinion of a second person
on the final result. It is important to perform the colour comparison
within next 25 seconds, otherwise the colour could lighten and the evaluated
concentration will be lower than the real one.
Results
Each colour area corresponds to a cholesterol value. The
lightest colour is a cholesterol reading of 130 mg/dl and the highest
is a cholesterol reading of 350 mg/dl. If the colour is lighter than 130
mg/dl then a cholesterol reading of less than 130 mg/dl must be considered.
If the reactive strip is darker than 350 mg/dl then a cholesterol level
of higher than 350 mg/dl must be considered.
Normal and Abnormal Values (According to the latest criteria)
Less than 200 mg/dl = Desirable Blood Cholesterol
200-239 mg/dl = Borderline High Blood Cholesterol
Higher than 240 mg/dl = High Blood Cholesterol
What should I do with my results?
If your cholesterol is high you should see your doctor for
advice, your doctor may give you dietary advice and exercise guidelines.
If after following the guidelines carefully your cholesterol level has
not reached the desired goal, your doctor may prescribe medication.
For more detailed information on cholesterol and diet click
here.
One determination of the cholesterol level can not be interpreted
as a final reading. Cholesterol levels may vary from day to day. In addition,
cholesterol levels may also vary as a result of weight loss, stress, illness
and pregnancy. This cholesterol test is very suitable to make an risk
assessment for coronary heart disease. However, in addition to cholesterol
levels there are a number of factors that influence your risk for coronary
heart disease, such as:
Age, older people are generally at more risk for
coronary heart disease.
Myocardial infarction (usually known as a heart
attack), in many cases the causes of a heart attack are still
present, even after the heart attack. These people have a greater risk
for re-occurrence.
Diabetes,
diabetes causes an elevated level of total cholesterol.
High
blood pressure, a high blood pressure deteriorates the condition
of the blood vessels.
Family, if there is a history of family member
with high cholesterol and/or coronary heart disease.
Stress, it seems that people who are sensitive
to stress have a greater risk for coronary disease, however, this has
not been scientifically proven.
Menopause,
because of the loss of the protecting oestrogen, cholesterol levels
rise.
Unhealthy lifestyle, for example smoking, not enough
physical exercise, eating to much fat, obesity.
Limitations of the test
1 - This test can only be used as a screening test for total
cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels.
2 - This test is not diagnostic and cannot accurately be
used to predict the onset of coronary heart disease.
Instructions on how the diabetes test
works.
This diabetes test detects the presence of glucose (sugar) in your blood. This test contains 2 test strips. If you obtain an abnormal result with the first strip, repeat the test using the second strip.
Pack contents
Plastic Vial containing 2 test strips.
2 x Lancets
Comparison Chart
Instructions
Why do I need this test?
This test can help identify diabetes at an early stage, before the illness causes any symptoms. It is important to detect diabetes early on so that you can begin to have treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
Precautions
If you are colour blind do not attempt to read the colour comparison chart.
Do not use this test beyond the expiry date on the plastic vial.
Ensure hands are thoroughly washed before carrying out test. Hands or fingers which have traces of sugar from foods or drinks could cause a false elevated result.
Do not carry out this test if you have been suffering with diarrhoea or vomiting. Dehydration and excessive water loss may cause an inaccurate low reading.
Before you begin
Read the entire instructions carefully.
Ensure you have a clock or watch ready.
Test Procedure
When ready to perform the test open the plastic vial and remove one of the test strips. Close the container back up when the strip has been removed. Make sure that the protective cap has not been removed from the lancet.
Wash hands with hot water and soap and dry them well. Using gentle pressure, massage the finger from which the sample is to be taken (the middle or ring finger is the best) by gently working the thumb of your free hand up to the tip of the finger.
Carefully twist off the protective cap from the lancet as shown in the first picture and then remove.
Press the lancet very firmly against the soft pad of your finger tip and press the blue button on the side of the lancet - this releases a very short needle, enough only to prick the skin. It is important to press the finger pricker firmly against the fingertip otherwise the skin will not be punctured.
Using a dry tissue, wipe away the first sign of blood.
Holding the punctured site downwards, with palm of hand facing upwards, continue to gently massage the finger until a large drop of blood appears.
Drop the blood on the white reactive square area marked by 2 blue lines (the side which shows the blood drop) without actually touching the reactive square with the finger.
Be sure that blood drop completely covers the reactive area of the strip.
Wait about 50 seconds to allow the chemical reaction to occur.
Turn the strip over and within the next 25 seconds compare the developed colour in the circular area of the strip with each coloured area of the comparative card by positioning the strip behind the holes in the card.
Find the closest matching colour and read the results below.
Since the test result is a semi-quantitative judgement based on colour, shade and intensity, it is useful to get the opinion of a second person on the final result. It is important to make the colour comparison within 25 seconds, otherwise the colour will continue to darken and the evaluated concentration will be more than the real one.
Each colour block corresponds to a glucose concentration, the lightest colour is a glucose reading of 25mg/dl and the darkest colour is a reading of 500 mg/dl. A reactive test strip which shows a colour lighter than 25 mg/dl has to be considered a glucose level of less than 25 mg/dl. A reactive test strip with a colour darker than 500 mg/dl has to be considered a glucose level higher than 500mg/dl.
Normal Glucose Values
After fasting normal blood glucose values in a person without diabetes are 70-110 mg/dl (3,9 -6,1 mmol/l). Consult your doctor if a reading of less than 50mg/dl or higher than 250 mg/dl is obtained.
What do I do with the result now?
A high result means that the test has found excess glucose in your blood. This does not always mean you are diabetic. However, it is very important that you visit your doctor to discuss your test result.
If the result was low this means at this time no excess glucose was found in your blood. If the result is low and you do not have any symptoms, you do not need to do anything else. However, you should visit your doctor if the result was low but you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
More thirsty than normal
Passing urine frequently
Tiredness
Weight loss
Blurred vision
Storage
This test should be stored inside the protective vial at room temperature. Do not expose to direct sunlight.
