Modern people need to know and maintain their cholesterol normally. Too much and often write terrible about him. There are categories of citizens who do not have the opportunity to constantly go to laboratories and then expect results, coming the next day. So the main prerequisite to purchase such a device is saving time. And this applies not only to pensioners and sick people.
The current pace of life does not allow visiting the laboratory as often as we would like. Lack of time is the scourge of modern society. There is only one conclusion: at home you need to have your own mini-laboratory.
What is a cholesterol measuring device called? Cholesterometer, lipidometer, biochemical blood analyzer. This is a great alternative to laboratory research. They give out data within a few minutes. Thus, devices - biochemical portable analyzers - devices for measuring cholesterol.
Who needs a cholesterol test?
This is important for those at risk: patients with cardiac pathologies, diabetics, people with pathologies of the liver, kidneys and thyroid gland. They always have an increased risk of getting a stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis, etc.
Also at risk:
- obese people;
- history of stroke or heart attack;
- smokers
- patients over 50 years old or with hereditary hypercholesterolemia.
It is important to measure cholesterol and to control the treatment received. He is insidious in that often before the onset of a disaster he does not make himself felt, and many learn about his presence by chance.
An apparatus for measuring cholesterol (cholesterol) in such cases is the optimal solution. The threat of complication can thus be averted. Cholesterolemia and diabetes are common companions. Therefore, it is often required to immediately determine the level of glycemia and cholesterolemia.
A huge plus of gadgets is that almost all models sold are designed to measure several indicators at the same time. If the laboratory answers to the tests can be obtained only after 24 hours, when using such devices for measuring cholesterol at home, the results will be ready in 4-6 minutes. This is especially true for liver pathologies.
The advantages of devices
The main popularity of a cholesterometer and glucometer is in their speed. It is also important that for measuring at home one drop of blood is enough. And, in the end, it will cost less than in specialized laboratories. What should be the best home appliance for measuring cholesterol so that it works for a long time? This will be discussed below.
Cholesterol Meters
In the medical equipment market, the choice of imported hand-held blood analyzers is huge. The optimal home analyzer (an apparatus for measuring cholesterol) should meet the following characteristics:
- be easy to use;
- released by a famous brand;
- have a service center and warranty.
But the most important parameter is the accuracy of the measurement.
Analyzer selection rules
The choice of a cholesterometer, an apparatus for measuring the level of cholesterol in the blood, you must start by familiarizing yourself with its technical and functional characteristics. When buying, check the device for strength, the presence of cracks. The size of the buttons should be large enough, which is especially important for older people. The design of the apparatus for measuring sugar and cholesterol most often resembles a mobile phone, only with a large screen.
The device must have an internal memory. It is necessary for maintaining an electronic diary. This is useful for tracking indicators during a diet or medication.
The dimensions of the device are also important: the compact is simpler and more convenient to carry. It is worth considering the time needed to get the result. Well, if it does not exceed three minutes. If time is required more - buy another analyzer. Despite the popularity of devices with test strips, it is now better to purchase models with plastic chips. These are contact plates that do not require constant replacement. But they are noticeably more expensive.
The ability to save the result in the memory of the device is important for the attending physician to control the dynamics of the tests.
An important indicator of the optimality of the device is its equipment. It is good if it has special handles for piercing. It is desirable that the needle has an adjustable height. Energy costs are another important quality. It is better that the operation of the device lasts for a longer time.
A home cholesterol meter should have a simple interface. This is especially true for the elderly. It is always more difficult for them to master technical innovations.
When purchasing a device for measuring cholesterol at home, you must also pay attention to the reliability of the manufacturer - it is better to take more well-known brands, high-quality and accurate in assembly and results. Please note the availability of the warranty period and a service center nearby.
The price of the device and consumables, their availability on sale is also an important aspect of the choice. Remembering these criteria is better than not looking to buy an expensive or cheap analyzer.
The principles of operation of the lipidometer and glucometer are similar. Therefore, devices for measuring glucose and cholesterol 2 in 1 are produced.
disadvantages
The overwhelming majority of minuses are always several: inaccurate results compared to laboratory indicators and the need for continuous acquisition of test strips, which are expensive.
In terms of accuracy - data may vary by 10%. But many companies guarantee an error of only 5%. No matter how modern the apparatus for measuring blood cholesterol is, its accuracy is somewhat lower. This is a fact to be reconciled with.
What it is?
Test strips are necessary to apply the necessary amount of blood to them. Their action is similar to a litmus test. Its ends are saturated with a special reagent, which reacts with blood plasma containing lipoproteins.
As the reaction begins, the color of the strip changes. The result is checked according to the table attached to the device. The edges of the strip cannot be touched. Sebum will distort the results. These strips are inserted into the device, it is better right before the procedure. They must be stored in factory sealed pencil cases in a cool, dry place. The strips should be removed only with dry hands, the finger for puncture should also be dry and clean. Remember the expiration dates - from 6 months to a year.
The instructions often contain information about encoding test tapes. What does it mean? Each batch of attached strips has its own specific code. It depends on the microdoses of the reagent applied to them. Therefore, the device must be configured specifically for this code of test strips, otherwise the result will be incorrect. This is somewhat reminiscent of gasoline numbers for different cars.
How to measure cholesterol at home?
Like any analysis, an express test requires a little preparation. Doctors advise compliance with the attached instructions for the device for measuring cholesterol.
Algorithm of actions for measurement:
- The device must be configured in advance.
- Hands should be washed with soap. Puncture tools, alcohol and cotton wool are best prepared in advance. Remove the test strip from the tube.
- Insert the lancet into the syringe pen and charge it.
- Turn on the device.
- Place a test strip in a special hole.
- Wipe the index finger with alcohol and pierce with an automatic lancet. When a drop of blood comes out, bring it to the analyzing part of the strip and lower it onto the strip.
- Close your finger with a swab of alcohol.
- Wait for the result in due time. The time usually takes 5 to 10 seconds.
When to measure
Better in the morning on an empty stomach - from 7 to 11 in the morning. You should not consume simple carbohydrates, fried and fatty per day. Dinner - no later than 19 hours.
Briefly about the most popular gadgets
Today, the market is represented by 4 of the most popular models of biochemical blood analyzers. These are EasyTouch GcHb, Accutrend Plus, Cardio Chekpa, Multi Care-in. Their ability to measure sugar and cholesterol combines, but depending on the model, the entire lipid spectrum is triglycerides, HDL, LDL, ketones, as well as hemoglobin, lactate, urea.
Easy Touch GcHb
EasyTouch GcHb is a very well-known analyzer for checking three indicators - cholesterol, glucose and hemoglobin. It is used in medical facilities. Manufacturer - Taiwan. Made of gray plastic, has a large screen. The dimensions of the device are 88 x 64 x 22 mm, weight 60 g, memory for 300 measurements, the procedure time is 2.5 minutes (cholesterol) and 6 seconds each (glucose and uric acid level).
Price - 4.7 thousand rubles. At the bottom right there are two button-keys for control.
Manufacturers offer several EasyTouch models - GC, GCU.
GCU is a compact blood analyzer for glucose, cholesterol and uric acid. Manufacturer - Taiwan. It includes test strips for each parameter plus 25 lancets for punctures.
EasyTouch GC - Detects cholesterol and glucose. Can save 200 measurements. Good reviews about this model are given by the doctors themselves.
Accutrend plus
Accutrend plus is the most popular analyzer in Russia due to the fact that it has many functions and is convenient to use. It is made by Germany, the company RocheDiagnostics. The device can be used to determine the full lipid spectrum, the level of hemoglobin and glucose, blood lactate.
Analogues of lactate are not determined. Results can be recorded in electronic format.
His equipment is modest - there are no lancets, but his memory is large - up to 400 measurements. The screen is average, dimensions - 15 cm. Its cost in the regions is from 8 to 10 thousand rubles.
Cardio chek
“CardioChek” - is considered an advanced device because it can detect sugar, total cholesterol, HDL, ketones, triglycerides. It has a stylish design, its display is liquid crystal.
Shared memory - 150 results. Test tapes are encoded automatically. The price is about 6.5 thousand rubles. Analysis time - 1 minute for any test. The work is based on the principle of photometry.
Multi care-in
Multi Care-in - popular for its compact size. Measures triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose. It differs from other devices by the presence of 4 alarms. This means calculating the average indicators per week (28, 21, 14, 7 days). Ribbon encoding is not required. The image is large and clear. Analysis time is 5-30 seconds.
Memory for 500 measurements. The price of Multi Care-in is up to 5.5 thousand rubles. Country of origin: Italy. The inclusion occurs automatically when you insert a test strip. Reviews about this model are the most positive, the device is reliable, lasts a long time and does not break. The complete set is complete.
It can be connected to a laptop or PC - it has a special connector. Accuracy of indications: 95%.
Analyzer Wellion LUNA Duo Style
Manufacturer - Austria. Detects glucose and cholesterol in 5 seconds. The memory holds up to 360 results. The device turns off automatically. The price is acceptable for everyone - 2.5 thousand rubles.
Element multi
Detects triglycerides, blood sugar, cholesterol and lipoproteins of different densities. The principle of operation is spectrometry. Time no more than 120 seconds. The lipidometer has an internal memory for 500 measurements, which is quite a lot. The manufacturer provides a long-term warranty of 3 years. The accuracy is close to laboratory data. Used by doctors.
Free Style Optium
This American device can only measure blood glucose and ketone bodies. Although it is not cholesterol itself, but they take part in its synthesis. Economical, weighs only 42 grams, one battery is enough for operation. The display is large, larger font numbers.
The device turns on and off itself. Measurement time - 10 seconds, glucose - after 5 seconds. Memory for 450 measurements, the measurement error is only about 5%. The complete set is complete. Unlike other devices - it has a built-in speaker and can emit sound signals, which is important for poor eyesight. Judging by the reviews, the device is reliable.
Portable honey is known. devices for measuring cholesterol are constantly being improved. A lipidometer is being developed, which will be mounted in a smart watch. The data obtained will be visible not only to the patient, but also be transmitted to the attending physician. This is the prospect of the near future.
The cost of a biochemical blood test varies from 250 to 1 thousand rubles. in different regions. Therefore, even the most expensive device will pay for itself after 7-10 measurements.
Reviews
The most grateful were the Accutrend Plus, CardioChek, Easy Touch, and MultiCare-in. The most expensive of them are the first two models.