How To Use A Home Cholesterol Monitor

Home cholesterol monitors are very easy to use, and unlike full cholesterol tests at the doctor's office, you do not need to fast beforehand. It is always advised to read the instruction manual carefully before operating any home medical device, but most home monitors work the same way. Following a few simple steps will make using your home cholesterol monitor simple and painless.

First, make sure the device has batteries. After doing this, you are ready to calibrate the monitor. The calibration packet should be included with your initial batch of test packets. Insert this packet into the calibration slot of the monitor (usually the bottom right corner, but check your manual). Leave this calibration packet in the monitor. Next, you need to prepare the finger lance. This is done by unscrewing the top of the lancet holder and then placing the needle, or lancet, into the lancet holder. Screw the top of the holder back in until you hear it click. Set the depth of the lancet on the dial attached to the lancet holder. Remember, you need to get a drop of blood for the test, so consider going as deep as you are comfortable. Turn on the monitor, and insert a test strip into the appropriate slot.

Next, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ensure a clean pricking surface and that no contaminants get into your sample. Clean the area of the finger you will be lancing - usually the fingertip - with an alcohol pad. These are usually provided with the home monitoring kit, but any first-aid alcohol wipe will do. Squeeze the finger until you see the area fill with blood, then take the lancing device and pierce your fingertip. Squeeze a drop of blood from your finger onto the test strip, taking care not to touch the strip itself. Make sure the strip is entirely covered with blood, or the monitor will not measure accurately.

Again, these are general instructions, and it is best to consult your operating manual before performing any test.

Most people like to maintain a log of their test results to share with their doctor or for their own personal edification. The frequency of the tests is up to you and your doctor. Some people with serious cholesterol issues may need to take the tests more frequently than those with mild conditions. While the tests are quite accurate, it is important to remember that they are not substitutes for the full tests that hospital laboratories perform. If you have any questions or concerns about the numbers that the tests provide, your doctor is only a phone call away.