You don’t have to go to a clinic to check your health
Blood tests at home have become more and more popular. No more waiting rooms, no more complicated appointments. The tests are becoming easier to access.
And this is what is crazy…
Market.us reports that the home blood testing devices market is expanding at a rate of 10.3% annually. It will be worth a hefty $51.2 billion by 2034. When the market is expanding like that, it means that it is necessary.
In This Article:
- What Are Home Blood Tests?
- Why Home Blood Tests Are The Next Big Step For Your Health
- Different Types of Blood Tests for At-Home Testing
- How to Use Home Blood Tests for the First Time
- Conclusion
What Are Home Blood Tests?
Home blood tests are self-diagnostic kits. They allow you to collect your own blood sample and either mail it to a lab or receive instant results, depending on the type of test.
Picture this…
Blood tests used to mean a trip to the clinic or hospital. Waiting in line, getting poked by a needle, and waiting days or even weeks to get your results. Home blood tests take out most of that process.
Thanks to services like One Day Tests, home blood tests are more accessible than ever before. Order a kit online, have it shipped to your door. Follow the simple instructions to collect a small blood sample. Done.
The blood sample is then either mailed to a certified lab for processing, or the results are instantly available, depending on the test. No appointments are necessary, and everything happens in the comfort of your own home.
Pretty simple, right?
Why Home Blood Tests Are The Next Big Step For Your Health
Home blood tests have a lot of benefits. For anyone who cares about their health, at-home blood tests should be a part of their regular routine. If you aren’t doing them already, here are 3 reasons you should.
Convenience Is Key
One of the main reasons why people love home blood tests so much is the convenience factor.
This is because you can test when it suits you, instead of having to fit the clinic into your schedule. Early in the morning before work. Late at night once the kids are in bed. Whatever works for your lifestyle.
You don’t have to take time off work or sit in a waiting room surrounded by a million germs. You get everything done from the comfort of your own home.
And like we know…
The more convenient something is, the more likely you are to do it.
Catch Issues Early
Another reason regular blood testing is important is that you can catch problems early.
Blood tests reveal so much about your health and can uncover conditions that you might not yet have symptoms for. Diabetes, thyroid issues, cholesterol, and even some types of cancer can be detected early with a simple blood test.
Did you know that, according to the CDC, over 38 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes? Many people don’t know they have it yet. Regular at-home blood testing could help diagnose these issues earlier.
Getting a head start on treatment means:
- More treatment options
- Reduced healthcare costs
- Better health outcomes
Imagine how a simple blood test at home could end up saving your life.
You Are in Control of Your Health
Blood tests at home put you in control of your health journey.
When you do your own blood tests, you decide when to test and what to test for. You keep track of your results over time and get to see the changes and patterns that matter to your health goals and lifestyle.
It’s different from going to the doctor and waiting for something to go wrong. You can be proactive, instead of reactive, about your health.
Different Types of Blood Tests for At-Home Testing
Different blood tests can test different things. Below are the most popular types of home blood tests that people use for health monitoring.
Glucose Testing
This is by far the most popular and commonly used type of home blood test.
And here’s why: Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world. Glucose testing is how diabetics can track their blood sugar levels on a daily basis. But it also benefits pre-diabetics in terms of monitoring risk.
The actual test is quick and simple. A small prick of the finger. A single drop of blood on a test strip. Seconds for the results.
Cholesterol Testing
Want to know how likely you are to have a heart attack or stroke?
Get a cholesterol test.
Cholesterol tests measure different types of fat that are found in your blood. High cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Getting a cholesterol test helps you track your levels and adjust your diet or medication to change them, if necessary.
Typically, home cholesterol tests test for:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (aka “bad cholesterol”)
- HDL (aka “good cholesterol”)
- Triglycerides
Hormone Testing
Hormones are one of the most important things to keep in check. If you don’t, it can affect your energy levels, mood, weight, and much more.
Home hormone tests can check:
- Thyroid hormones
- Testosterone
- Estrogen
- Cortisol
Checking your hormones can help you identify any problems or imbalances that may be holding you back in other areas.
Vitamin and Nutrient Testing
Constant fatigue and exhaustion are often signs of vitamin deficiency.
Home blood tests can track levels of various vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin D, B12, and iron. Low levels of these essential nutrients can cause a range of symptoms that can have a negative effect on your day to day life.
How to Use Home Blood Tests for the First Time
Starting to use home blood tests is not as difficult as you might think.
Follow the simple steps below…
Step 1: Choose Your Test
First thing’s first: what do you want to test for? This depends on your specific health goals or issues. If diabetes runs in your family, you might want to consider glucose testing.
Step 2: Order Your Kit
Pick a company you trust to order your blood test kit from. There are lots of great companies that offer this online, usually with certified labs. Check the reviews to make sure they provide clear instructions and support.
Step 3: Collect Your Sample
Most home blood tests only require a small prick of the finger and the use of a lancet. The testing kit will provide you with all the necessary tools. A lancet to prick your finger. A device to collect your blood. Step by step instructions to guide you through the process.
Don’t worry…
It will be over in a second, and most people don’t find it as bad as having a blood test at the hospital or clinic.
Step 4: Send It Off
Drop your sample into the prepaid envelope and post it off to the lab. Some home blood tests will give you instant results at home, but others require lab analysis.
Step 5: Review Results
The results should come back to you within a few days. Many companies will provide an online portal for you to access your results and track them over time.
Conclusion
Home blood tests are transforming the way people manage and monitor their health. They give you the ability to track your health in a way that works best for you and your lifestyle. No more waiting rooms or fitting appointments around your day.
Let’s go through the main points in this article.
- Blood tests at home allow you to conveniently monitor your health
- Regular testing helps catch health issues earlier than waiting for symptoms to appear
- There are a variety of different types of home blood tests that you can choose from
- Getting started with home blood testing is simple and affordable
The days of going into a hospital or clinic for a simple blood test are changing. More people than ever before are choosing to manage their health from the comfort of their own homes, and the market is only going to continue to expand.
Don’t wait until something’s wrong before you test. Start keeping an eye on the health factors that matter most to you. Your health is worth the small amount of effort it takes to test at home.
