First aid kits have come a long way from a mercury thermometer, a couple of plasters and some antiseptic wipes. But in a world where health awareness is more important than ever, adding self-testing kits to your inventory is a smart, modern-day upgrade. These diagnostic tools can help you stay proactive about your health and may even save you a trip to the doctor.
Why Include Self-Tests In Your First Aid Kit
You’ve heard the saying, “Better safe than sorry”. But in the case of your health, it’s not just about safety; it’s about being better informed. Self-tests are easy diagnostic tools which let you check for certain conditions without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. They provide a quick answer, reduce stress and empower you to take the next step if you need further medical help.
Benefits Of Self-Testing
While home testing isn’t a catch all for every medical condition it can offer an explanation when there is something amiss or give you much-needed peace of mind. Our pregnancy test kit, for example, is 99% accurate and can be used up to six days early.
Aside from pregnancy, self-tests can spot potential health issues early on. Whether it’s testing for blood sugar levels or vitamin D deficiency, they can help arm you with the information you need to get the right treatment by prompting the user to seek further professional medical advice.
They’re also there for those unexpected problems like urinary tract infections (UTI) which can strike at any time. Infections don’t stick to a 9-5 timetable and if you develop symptoms at night, over the weekend or even when you’re on holiday, a self-test can give you a quick answer. No more having to find a doctor and wait for an appointment.
Which Self-Tests Should You Keep?
There are no hard and fast rules on tests you should keep at home but some of the most common ones include:
- Blood glucose monitors or strips – These are great to have around if anyone in your family has diabetes or is at risk of developing it.
- UTI testing strips – These are ideal to include in any holiday first aid kits. UTIs can develop at any time, but home testing can confirm an infection quickly and are especially helpful if you suffer symptoms frequently.
- Blood pressure monitor – High blood pressure can go unnoticed, but it can have serious health consequences. Regular checks can spot issues early.
- Iron or vitamin D test kits – If you’re feeling tired or under the weather, a quick test will determine if your symptoms could be caused by low iron. Vitamin D levels also tend to drop in the Wintertime and symptoms can be subtle, but a home test can help you stay on top of it.
When To Self-Test
Self-testing kits aren’t meant to replace your doctor, but they are useful when you’re experiencing mild, manageable symptoms and want to rule out serious concerns. They’re also helpful as part of routine monitoring of chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure or simply when you feel like something’s off and you need some reassurance.
Top Tips For Self-Testing
- Always read the instructions – make sure you understand the process for accurate results.
- Store correctly – Keep your tests in a cool, dry place just like you would any other medical supplies.
- Know when to seek help – A self-test is a starting point, not a substitute for a medical professional. If in doubt, always seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
Self-testing kits such as the ones CIGA offers at Suresign can help people to monitor blood glucose levels, check for ovulation and even help spot the early signs of meningitis. If you’d like to know more about our range click here or get in touch.
