Test Kits
Test Kits
Individuals can now do many tests that once required a doctor or even a hospital visit in the comfort of their own homes. Some tests, such as genetic sequencing, must be sent off to a lab. Some still require consultation with a physician to interpret the results.
Others, such as pregnancy and drug tests, are available to anyone and provide results at home. And some, such as glucose tests, are a day-to-day part of life for people with chronic conditions. Below are some of the most common types of test kits and their uses.
Diabetes Test Kits
Glucose testing is a daily necessity for people with both type 1 and types 2 diabetes. Diabetes test kits consist of a glucose meter, lancets or other lancing device, test strips, and, optionally, alcohol wipes. After disinfecting the area to be lanced (usually a fingertip), the lancet or other device pricks the area to draw a blood drop.
The blood drop goes onto a glucose test strip, which goes into the glucose meter. The meter tests the blood drop and displays a glucose reading. You must use the correct brand/type of test strip for your glucose meter.
Pregnancy Tests
There are two types of pregnancy tests: urine tests, which may be done at home, and serum tests, which are blood type tests done by a medical professional.
Both types test for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (Hcg). The body begins to produce this hormone as early as seven days after conception and can often confirm pregnancy even before a woman has missed a menstrual period.
Drug Tests
Tests for detecting illicit drugs are a common prerequisite for employment and may be helpful after a work accident. Routine or random drug testing may also be part of the recovery plan for people suffering from addiction and may even be beneficial for parents concerned that a child may be using drugs.
There are a variety of types of over-the-counter drug tests, from those that test for single drugs such as oxycodone or MDMA to multi-drug panels. Drug tests use a urine sample for testing; some tests may include a temperature test strip to combat cheating.
Drug test kits can detect:
COVID-19 Tests
Home COVID-19 tests are now available. Unlike the early invasive tests, home tests are gentle and use a sample taken from within the nostril to detect proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, even if you are asymptomatic. A positive result indicates that you potentially have COVID-19 and should see a medical provider for a follow-up test.
Test kits can provide invaluable information, whether you’re monitoring your blood glucose or testing a new employee for drug use.
Individuals can now do many tests that once required a doctor or even a hospital visit in the comfort of their own homes. Some tests, such as genetic sequencing, must be sent off to a lab. Some still require consultation with a physician to interpret the results.
Others, such as pregnancy and drug tests, are available to anyone and provide results at home. And some, such as glucose tests, are a day-to-day part of life for people with chronic conditions. Below are some of the most common types of test kits and their uses.
Diabetes Test Kits
Glucose testing is a daily necessity for people with both type 1 and types 2 diabetes. Diabetes test kits consist of a glucose meter, lancets or other lancing device, test strips, and, optionally, alcohol wipes. After disinfecting the area to be lanced (usually a fingertip), the lancet or other device pricks the area to draw a blood drop.
The blood drop goes onto a glucose test strip, which goes into the glucose meter. The meter tests the blood drop and displays a glucose reading. You must use the correct brand/type of test strip for your glucose meter.
Pregnancy Tests
There are two types of pregnancy tests: urine tests, which may be done at home, and serum tests, which are blood type tests done by a medical professional.
Both types test for a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (Hcg). The body begins to produce this hormone as early as seven days after conception and can often confirm pregnancy even before a woman has missed a menstrual period.
Drug Tests
Tests for detecting illicit drugs are a common prerequisite for employment and may be helpful after a work accident. Routine or random drug testing may also be part of the recovery plan for people suffering from addiction and may even be beneficial for parents concerned that a child may be using drugs.
There are a variety of types of over-the-counter drug tests, from those that test for single drugs such as oxycodone or MDMA to multi-drug panels. Drug tests use a urine sample for testing; some tests may include a temperature test strip to combat cheating.
Drug test kits can detect:
- Amphetamines (meth)
- Benzodiazepine (“downers”)
- Cocaine (coke and crack)
- Opiates
- Cannabinoids (THC)
- Barbiturates
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone or Subutex)
- MDMA (ecstasy)
- Methadone
- Oxycodone
- Phencyclidine (angel dust)
COVID-19 Tests
Home COVID-19 tests are now available. Unlike the early invasive tests, home tests are gentle and use a sample taken from within the nostril to detect proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, even if you are asymptomatic. A positive result indicates that you potentially have COVID-19 and should see a medical provider for a follow-up test.
Test kits can provide invaluable information, whether you’re monitoring your blood glucose or testing a new employee for drug use.