Excerpted from "A Year of Health Hints"
365 Practical Ways to Feel Better and Live Longer
Medical self-testing kits are convenient, relatively
inexpensive, and readily available. They can be used without a
visit to the doctor. It's no wonder that Americans are purchasing
them in increasing numbers, spending $300 million or more
annually. Home tests offer consumers a sense of self-reliance
that can complement, though not take the place of, the advice of
their physicians.
While some 150 different medical self-testing kits exist, they
generally can be grouped into three categories.
Those that
diagnose when symptoms are present. These include the popular
self-testing
kits for pregnancy.
Those that
diagnose when no symptoms are present. These include kits that
test for blood in
the stool, which could
indicate colon cancer, or kits that help couples conceive by
testing for
the time of ovulation.
Those that monitor
an ongoing condition. These include glucose testing for diabetes
and blood
pressure screening for
hypertensives.
The U.S. Public Health Service and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) offer the following suggestions for safe and
effective use of self-testing kits. (Each of these precautions
does not necessarily apply to all tests.)
For test kits
that contain chemicals, note the expiration date. Beyond that
date, chemicals
may lose potency and
affect results. Don't buy or use a test kit after the expiration
date.
Check whether the
product needs protection from heat or cold. If so, don't leave it
in the
car trunk or by a
sunny window on the trip home. At home, follow storage
directions.
Study the package
insert. First, read it through to get a general idea of how to
perform the
test. Then, go back
and review the instructions and diagrams carefully so that you
fully
understand each step.
Be sure you
understand what the test is intended to do and what its
limitations may be.
Remember, the tests
are not 100 percent accurate.
If the test
results rely on color comparison and you're color blind, be sure
someone who
can discern
color helps you interpret the results.
Note special
precautions, such as avoiding physical activity or certain foods
and drugs
before testing.
Follow
instructions exactly, including the specimen collection process,
if that is a part of the
test. Sequence is
important. Don't skip a step.
When collecting a
urine specimen--unless you use a container from a kit--first wash
the
container thoroughly
and rinse out all soap traces, preferably with distilled water.
When a step is
timed, be precise. Use a stopwatch, or at least a watch with a
second hand.
Note what you
should do if the results are positive, negative, or unclear.
If something isn't
clear, don't guess. Consult a pharmacist or other health
professional, or
check the insert for a
toll-free "800" number to call for additional
information.
Keep accurate
records of results.
As with
medications, keep test kits that contain chemicals out of the
reach of children.
Promptly discard used
test materials as directed.
Any malfunction of a self-test should be reported to the
manufacturer or to the FDA through the agency's reporting system
at the U.S. Pharmacopeia. To report a problem to the
pharmacopeia, write to USP, Problem Reporting Program, 12601
Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852. The report also may be
called in toll-free at 1-800-638-6725 (in Maryland, call collect
at 301-881-0256).