How to choose a portable device for measuring cholesterol levels at home?

People with high cholesterol levels or those at risk need to constantly monitor their values.
It is inconvenient to go to the clinic or laboratory every time, so it is advisable to purchase a device for measuring cholesterol at home. The devices are produced by several companies, prices vary from 1 thousand to 9-10 thousand and above.

The principle of operation is the same for all, they differ in the features of use and the set of additional functions.

Who needs regular measurements and in what cases?

In addition to people who already have high cholesterol levels, regular monitoring is necessary for people at risk for several parameters:

1. You are overweight.
2. There are or have been people in the family with high cholesterol.
3. Had a stroke or heart attack.
4. There are problems in the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
5. Disturbances in the synthesis of hormones.

For high (or low) total cholesterol levels, measurements are taken at least every 3 months; for people at risk - after 6 months (cholesterol norms for men and women). Other time intervals prescribed by your doctor are possible. Older people also need to measure their total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels.

It is recommended after 30 years of age to undergo preventive tests once every 5 years. At the initial stage, a person may not feel any increase in cholesterol, so only taking tests allows one to quickly identify disorders in the body and prevent the development of concomitant diseases.

Will buying a special device pay off?

The issue of payback is considered from different angles. On the one hand, the cost of the device exceeds the price for taking tests several times, especially if a one-time examination is intended. In this case, it is cheaper to go to a medical institution and determine the current values.

However, people with a reading above or below the norm need regular monitoring. Patients who are overweight, elderly or with musculoskeletal problems have difficulty getting to the clinic; their place of residence may be far from the blood donation point for tests. For such people, buying a cholesterol measuring device will save not only effort and time, but also money.

The cost of a biochemical blood test varies from 250 to 1000 rubles, depending on the region and clinic. Thus, even not the cheapest device will pay for itself after 7-10 measurements.

Measurement methods

Even an elderly person can understand the operation of the device.
If a person decides to check their cholesterol concentration, attention should be paid to the symptoms. When a patient systematically complains of pain in the chest, numbness in the limbs and the appearance of yellow spots around the eyelids, it means that the levels of the harmful substance have seriously increased. However, doctors recommend not to wait for undesirable symptoms and to constantly monitor the concentration of sugar and cholesterol using home tests. Devices for these purposes are easy to use, so they can be used even by elderly patients. In addition, there is a monitor on the device that shows the analysis result in large font.

How it works: design and principle of operation of a portable analyzer

The portable cholesterol blood analyzer is a rectangular device. At the top there is a screen where the result is displayed. Depending on the model, there are one or more control buttons on the case.

At the bottom of the device there is a test strip soaked in a reagent and acting like litmus paper. A small amount of blood is dripped onto it, then the blood falls from the strip onto the converting device, after 1-2 minutes the values ​​are shown on the screen.

Standard batteries are used for power; the compartment for them is located on the back of the case. Usually the kit includes a case and spears for piercing a finger or auto-piercers. Test strips are usually included in small quantities and must be purchased separately. The devices are equipped with modern microcircuits with a processor that automatically controls all processes.

The values ​​after express diagnostics may differ slightly from the values ​​when interpreting tests in the laboratory, but this does not mean that the device is not working correctly; each model has a certain percentage of error.

Indications for the purpose of the study

Cholesterol is a building material of cell membranes; physiologically important compounds are formed from it: bile acids, corticosteroid and sex hormones, vitamin D. According to its chemical structure, cholesterol belongs to the class of alcohols, which is why it is sometimes called “cholesterol”.
Cholesterol can be synthesized by all cells of the body, but most of it is produced in the liver and slightly less comes from food.

Cholesterol is insoluble, so to get into tissues it needs transport complexes - lipoproteins. Cholesterol in the blood is always associated with lipoproteins (there are chylomicrons - CM, LDL - low-density lipoproteins, HDL - high-density lipoproteins, VLDL - very low-density lipoproteins).

The function of low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins is cholesterol transport. The main role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is to transport cholesterol from the liver to tissue cells to provide them with cholesterol according to their needs.

For reverse transport from cells, cholesterol binds to high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and is transported to the liver, where it is used to synthesize bile acids, which are excreted from the body.

The composition of lipoproteins circulating in the blood is not constant. They are in dynamic balance with each other.

The term “total cholesterol” refers to cholesterol that is part of LDL, HDL and VLDL. Total cholesterol (TC) in the blood is directly related to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can affect any artery, most often the coronary arteries. As a result, coronary heart disease develops. Less commonly affected are the peripheral arteries supplying the lower extremities; cerebral arteries that supply blood to the brain; the aorta, the largest vessel in our body.

Atherosclerosis begins with damage to the endothelium (the inner lining of the arteries). The most common factors causing endothelial damage are viruses and bacteria. Through damaged endothelium, cholesterol (as part of LDL), circulating in the blood, penetrates into the vessel. This process can continue for many years, leading to the formation of soft plaques in the vessel wall. Over time, collagen is deposited on top of the plaques and calcium accumulates. The endothelium becomes thin and brittle. The reduced lumen of the vessel limits blood flow and oxygen delivery to the organ (for example, the heart). With an increase in blood pressure, the atherosclerotic endothelium can be damaged, blood penetrates into the plaque, the blood clotting process is activated and a blood clot is formed, which can partially or completely block the vessel.

The higher the blood cholesterol level, the higher the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The damage is associated with cholesterol in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). High-density lipoproteins play a protective role. The higher the level of LDL cholesterol and the lower the HDL cholesterol, the greater the risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Monitoring blood cholesterol levels is recommended for all patients at risk of developing atherosclerosis and its complications: smokers, hypertensive patients (systolic blood pressure above 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg), patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus type (fasting glucose >6.0 mmol/l), people whose relatives had a history of early onset coronary artery disease (myocardial infarction or unstable angina in men aged < 55 years, in women < 65 years) or hyperlipidemia (increased blood lipid levels ). In addition, people with abdominal obesity (deposition of fatty tissue in the abdomen and upper body, involving the neck, face, shoulder girdle), and chronic kidney disease should undergo regular monitoring.

To detect cardiovascular diseases, lipid profile determination is recommended for all men over 40 years of age and all women over 50 years of age.

What to look for when choosing?

The cholesterol meter must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Compact size , convenient for storage and transportation, resistant to minimal mechanical damage.
2. Clear interface . It is difficult for older people to understand the additional functions present in the device.
3. Build quality . The analyzer is purchased in the hope of being used for a long time.
4. Wide range of measurements . It is worth carefully considering the measuring range of the analyzers. Some portable devices are not able to measure values ​​exceeding 10-11 mmol/l, and some even above 7-8 mmol/l.

It’s good if the kit includes a piercing pen (auto-piercer), it greatly simplifies the process. The accuracy of the displayed values ​​plays an important role. Usually the instructions indicate what error the device has.

Having test strips would be a big plus. Usually, only original tapes are suitable for a device from a certain company, but they are not always available to find and buy, and they also require special storage conditions.

To track dynamics, there is a memory chip; all measurement results are recorded in it; the more measurement results it can remember, the better. If you need to print this information, then the analyzer also has a connector for connecting to a computer or laptop.

It is better to buy a cholesterol meter from well-known companies; such companies value their reputation and, in the event of a breakdown, will replace faulty parts. Before purchasing, you need to check whether there are service centers, which cases are covered under warranty, and under what conditions repairs will be refused.

Price

The cost of devices for measuring blood composition parameters is in a wide price range from 4,000.00 rubles to 20,000.00 rubles, and famous brand companies offer measuring devices that are much more expensive:

• Measuring device Easy Touch, One touch, or MultiCare-in - price range from 4000.00 rubles to 5500.00 rubles;
• Multifunctional analyzer for measuring blood composition parameters Accutrend Plus. The price of this device depends on the manufacturer and is in the price range from 5800.00 rubles to 8000.00 rubles;
• Multifunctional meters for 7 parameters of blood composition, from various manufacturers, cost from 20,000.00 rubles and much higher.

The price range of test strips is from 650.00 rubles to 1600.00 rubles.

The pricing policy for the cost of analyzers for measuring cholesterol, as well as other parameters of plasma blood composition, is designed for different segments of the population - from disabled pensioners to wealthy people.

The best models of devices for measuring cholesterol at home

There are not many companies producing analyzers on the market; all of them are widely known. Models differ in price, additional functions, image quality and interface simplicity, but the principle of operation is the same for all.

EasyTouch GSHb

The manufacturer is a Taiwanese company. The device allows you to choose one of 3 tests: glucose, cholesterol or hemoglobin levels. The time for issuing results for cholesterol levels is 2.5 minutes.

Light weight, excluding batteries 59 g. The battery life is designed for approximately 1000 measurements. Stored at temperatures from -10 to +60 degrees.

Stores 50 measurements. The measurement interval is from 2.6 to 10.4 mmol/l. The device produces results with an error of up to 20%. The kit includes:

• 
  instructions;

• case;
• batteries;
• test strips;
• piercing pen;
• lancets (puncture needles);
• diary for recording data.

The average cost is 4600 rubles.

According to patient reviews, the device does not always provide reliable results; in some cases, the error exceeded the stated 20%; in addition, many consider the price to be unreasonably high. But besides the negative aspects, people note that it is compact, convenient to take with you, and easy to use.

Accutrend Plus

This analyzer is manufactured in Germany. Performs 4 types of tests: cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides and lactate. Cholesterol measurement range: from 3.88 to 7.76 mol/l. The result appears in 180 seconds.

Weighs 140 g. Powered by 4 batteries, data transfer to a computer is provided.

The kit contains the following components:

• instructions for use;
• 2 year warranty;
• batteries.

Average cost – 9,000 rubles.

This configuration is the most modest of the presented models. Unlike EasyTouch (Easy Touch), there are no lancets or a universal handle for pricking a finger. However, the memory is larger, up to 100 measurements. There is a case if you need to take the device with you on the road.

People who use Accutrend Plus note high accuracy, reliability and simplicity. The disadvantage is the need to purchase additional test strips, which are not included in the kit; the cost is 25 pcs. about 1000 rubles.

MultiCare-in

Country of origin: Italy. Measures 3 controlled indicators: glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol. Stores 500 measurements (the largest volume among models). Cholesterol measurement range: 3.3-10.2 mmol/l.

Weight 65 g, requires 2 batteries to operate. Turns on automatically when a test strip is inserted.

Equipment:

• test strips (for cholesterol - 5 pcs.);
• case;
• lancets;
• puncture device;
• instructions.

Average cost – 4,450 rubles.

Reading accuracy: 95%. According to customer reviews, the device is reliable, there are no mentions of breakdowns or other shortcomings. MultiCare-in has a connector for connecting to a laptop or computer, printing the data or storing it electronically.

FreeStyle Optium

The development is carried out by the American company Abbott Diabetes Care. It measures only the level of glucose and ketone bodies (participate in the synthesis of cholesterol), thereby immediately losing to Easy Touch and Accutrend Plus.

Compact and economical, weighs 42 g and runs on one battery, enough for 1000 measurements. The display is large, the numbers are enlarged. The device turns on and off on its own. The result for ketones appears in 10 seconds, glucose in 5 seconds.

The memory records 450 measurements, data is displayed for a certain date and time, the instrument error is 5%. Upon purchase, a person receives the following set:

• batteries;
• test strips;
• pen;
• instructions;
• piercing needles.

In terms of configuration, it beats Accutrend Plus. Analysis of reviews showed that the device is quite reliable, the error in the readings does not exceed the stated 5%.

Types of analyzers

Among the numerous range of devices, it is necessary to give preference to multifunctional devices that allow monitoring not only cholesterol, but also other parameters of blood composition:

• Home blood testing device Easy Touch (Easy Touch). The functionality of the device is to measure lipid levels, sugar levels and hemoglobin concentration in the blood;
• The MultiCare-in device will help you measure cholesterol by fraction and triglycerides;
• You can measure fractionally lipoproteins with the Accutrend Plus device (Accutrend Plus);
• Determination of the state of blood composition at the time of exacerbations of cardiac pathologies, as well as pathologies of the renal organ, can be done using the Triage MeterPro device.

Accutrend Plus

Easy Touch

Multicare in

How to test blood for cholesterol at home

The day before the express analysis, stop eating fatty and fried foods and limit alcohol consumption. Morning will be the best time for the procedure; you should not have breakfast.

You are also not allowed to drink tea, juice or coffee; you are allowed to drink a glass of water. Do not do any physical exercise, the state should be calm. If there was surgery, measurements are taken after 3 months.

We pierce the finger with an auto-piercer.

The blood collection process itself is as follows:

1. To wash hands.
2. Turn on the device and insert the test strip into the special hole.
3. Treat your finger with a disinfectant.
4. Take out a lancet or lancing pen.
5. Make a puncture on the fingertip.
6. Touch the strip with your finger.

   
   Place a drop of blood on the test strip.

7. Wait a certain time and see the result on the display.
8. Remove strip and discard.

Take the strips with dry hands and remove them from the packaging immediately before use.

It is important to use test tapes with a valid expiration date (stored for 6-12 months).

Recommendations for use

In order to always have an idea of ​​the state of blood parameters in case of cardiac or vascular pathologies, a portable home meter for cholesterol, glucose and hemoglobin concentration was developed.

At the slightest deviation from the standard indicator, you must contact your doctor.

To achieve the maximum result from the measurement, it is necessary to follow the difficult rules of the procedure:

• It is necessary to make nutritional adjustments in advance. Try to stick to a low-fat and low-carbohydrate diet;
• On the eve of the procedure, do not drink alcoholic beverages or those containing caffeine;
• One hour before measuring your cholesterol, do not smoke;
• If there has been a surgical intervention in the body, measurements of blood composition parameters can only be taken 2 - 3 months after the operation. Otherwise there will be distorted results;
• The procedure must be performed sitting and in a relaxed state;
• Before the procedure itself, it is necessary to shake your hand for a few seconds to establish blood flow in the peripheral capillaries;
• On the eve of measuring blood levels using the device, do not perform heavy work or engage in sports training;
• If, when measuring cholesterol, you plan to measure glucose levels, then you should not eat or even drink water;
• On the eve of the procedure, you should have a light meal without cholesterol-containing foods and without carbohydrates;
• Dinner should be no later than 12 hours before measuring blood counts.

It is necessary to make nutritional adjustments in advance

Price

The price of devices starts from 4890 rubles for MultiCare-in to 11600-11700 rubles for the Accutrend Plus analyzer. This difference in the lower and upper range is explained by the build quality, country of origin and functionality.

The presence of additional functions makes the device even more expensive (for example, the ability to do several types of analyzes or increased memory). Fame and brand recognition leads to an increase in price, but it is better to focus on the technical characteristics and take into account the reviews of patients who have already used the device for a long time.

Advantages

Advantages of a portable device:

• The ability to conduct a cholesterol test at home and at any convenient time;
• Systematic monitoring of the cholesterol index and other blood composition parameters;
• By constantly checking the concentration of cholesterol in the blood, health complications can be avoided;
• At the slightest discomfort, you can use the device to determine cholesterol or glucose and take the necessary medication to adjust the level;
• One device for measuring blood parameters can be used by all family members;
• The price of the device is calculated for different incomes. There are devices of more expensive and budget models, which in their functions are not inferior to famous brand names.