Sometimes, you are scared to go to the doctor. Maybe you don’t have insurance, or your deductible is too high. Maybe you’re just a hypochondriac. Whatever the reason, you may be looking for ways to test your health at home. The good news is that you can do many health tests in the comfort of your home!
In this article, we will explore these tests in detail, including how accurate they are.
Covid-19 Tests
Covid-19 tests are vital for keeping yourself and others safe. While the CDC does not recommend self-testing, there are many at-home test options available. Some of these tests require a doctor’s order, while others can be purchased directly from a retailer.
You can use the FlowFlex Antigen test to test for Covid-19 at home. This test is over 90% accurate and can be done in under five minutes. If you suspect you have Covid-19, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Cholesterol Tests
You can test your cholesterol at home with a simple finger-prick test and a special monitoring device. This test is called a lipid panel or lipid profile. It measures your triglycerides, total levels of cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol level, and HDL (good) cholesterol.
A high level of LDL cholesterol raises your risk for heart disease and stroke, while a high level of HDL cholesterol lowers your risk. Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood, and having too many can also increase your risk for heart disease.
Pregnancy test
If you’re trying to conceive or think you might be pregnant, you can take a pregnancy test at home. Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your urine. HCG is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. You can also consider a fertility test if you’re trying to conceive. Fertility tests can help to determine the cause of infertility and make a treatment plan.
Pregnancy tests are typically 99% accurate if you follow the instructions carefully and use them before the expiration date. However, it’s possible to get a false positive result if you take the test too early, if you don’t follow the instructions correctly, or if the test is expired.
If you get a positive result, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm the results with a blood test and begin prenatal care, and use the due date calculator to help you calculate your due date or the time your baby will be born. Repeat the test a few days later if you get a negative result but still think you might be pregnant.
Blood Sugar Tests
You can test your blood sugar levels at home with a finger-prick blood test. This test is used to screen for diabetes and prediabetes.
To do the test, you’ll need a lancet (a small, sharp needle), a glucometer (a device that measures blood sugar levels), and test strips (which the glucometer uses to measure blood sugar).
First, wash your hands and sterilize the lancet. Then, use the lancet to prick your finger and collect a small drop of blood. Next, place the drop of blood on a test strip and insert it into the glucometer. The glucometer will then give you a reading of your blood sugar levels.
Blood sugar tests are typically very accurate. However, there is a small chance of getting a false positive or false negative result. If you’re concerned about your results, talk to your healthcare provider.
All these tests are accurate as long as they are done right. However, it’s worth noting that they are not a replacement for a doctor’s visit. You can easily misinterpret or miscalculate results. It’s best to consult with a physician if you have any concerns about your health.
