Top 5 Lab Tests You Can Get Done At Home

memory test lab

Today’s world has entered the phase of technology where you don’t need to run to a healthcare professional or laboratory for everything. The advent of telemedicine and telehealth has revolutionized medicine and has become a source of convenience and ease for patients.

Advances in home medical testing are at their peak as well, allowing patients to learn more about their health and symptoms without having to leave the comfort of their home. This article covers the top five medical lab tests that you can get done from your home. Let’s get started!

What are At-Home Medical Tests?

At-home medical tests are also known as home use tests and are efficient kits that allow individuals to test, screen, or monitor certain ailments and conditions in the privacy of their homes. These kits are easily available and can be conveniently bought online or through a local pharmacy or supermarket.

Most tests typically involve taking a sample of a body fluid such as saliva, blood, or urine and applying it to the kit as per the instructions. Several tests provide results within minutes with a higher than average accuracy rate, provided the kits are FDA approved. However, some need to be adequately packaged and mailed to a lab for testing.

Although several testing kits can be bought without a prescription, you might need one for certain others. It is advisable to discuss with your medical professional or healthcare provider for professional advice on which kits to use.

Several ailments or conditions can be accurately predicted by using these tests. At-home medical tests are efficient substitutes for several laboratory-based ones. Common at-home tests include:

  • Pregnancy tests: that can tell if a woman is pregnant or not in mere minutes.
  • Blood sugar (Glucose) tests: which can be used on a daily basis to monitor and control diabetes conveniently.
  • Cholesterol tests: which can also be used conveniently daily without having to run to a doctor every day for monitoring.
  • Blood pressure tests: that allow patients to monitor and even save their last blood pressure readings for better evaluation.
  • Strep throat test: that eliminates the need for throat culture carried out at a doctor’s office.
  • Thyroid tests: which can help detect thyroid related complications with a quick finger prick.
  • Test for common allergies: which commonly include mold, wheat, egg, milk, house dust, cats, mite, Bermuda grass, ragweed, timothy grass, and cedar.
  • Tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases: such as HIV, Hepatitis, and Covid-19.
  • Genetic tests: that may indicate a higher risk for certain diseases.
  • Tests for detection of Urinary Tract Infections: that can indicate whether you need professional help or not within minutes.
  • Fecal occult blood tests: which screen for colon cancer or related complications.

Top 5 Lab Tests Available at Home

  • Blood Glucose Test 

Glucose testing kits are relatively easy to use. They require you to simply prick your finger with a device called a lancet (available in the kit) to get a drop of blood, place it on a test strip and insert it in the monitor. The meter on the monitor shows you your glucose level within seconds. The components of different glucose testing kits can be different, as some do not require a prick of the finger. Therefore, it is pivotal to read the instructions beforehand.

  • Fecal Occult Blood Test 

This test checks stool to detect signs of colon cancer. The test procedure involves collecting small stool samples and placing them on a particular container or card. It should then be sealed and mailed to a healthcare provider or lab for testing. The lab checks the sample for signs of blood in stool, which can be an indicator of colon cancer or other complications. The testing laboratory provides the results within days.

  • Hepatitis C Test

The test procedure for Hepatitis C lab test is similar to glucose testing: it involves pricking the finger to get a drop of blood. The blood sample is to be placed on a special piece of paper, sealed, and then mailed to a laboratory for testing. Once the results are out, the laboratory contacts you themselves.

  • Genetic Test 

Genetic tests can also be used to find information about your ancestors as it involves comparing your genetic data with that of various groups of people. Most test kits require individuals to provide a sample of their saliva or take a swab from the inside of their cheek. The sample should then be sealed and mailed to the testing laboratory or as directed, and they will contact you with the details once the testing is done.

  • Thyroid Tests 

Thyroid testing is also carried out with a quick finger prick. The blood sample is placed onto a special card, sealed, and mailed to a testing laboratory, which measures the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone. The lab will contact you with the test results as soon as it is done, but it might take a while.

At-home lab testing can be an efficient indicator of your disease risk, but it cannot diagnose them as accurately as orthodox lab-based testing. If you want to get tested either at home or in person, Cura4U is the right fit for you. You can get tested right from the comfort of your home with complete privacy by ordering home test kits and home EEG services with just one click! Head over to Cura4U to get to know more.