Rapid One-Step System Cholesterol Test Card.
Price/OrderA fast, easy to use, qualitative test device for determining cholesterol levels in those individuals concerned with coronary artery disease and its prevention. A self contained, convenient, quick systems cholesterol test that can be performed anytime, anywhere without the need for additional instrumentation or reagent strips. The CHEMCARD is also ideal for educational demonstrations, health seminars and clinical field use.
These simple, one-step professional tests can be used to quickly identify elevated blood cholesterol levels associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease in three (3) minutes. The CHEMCARD™ Cholesterol Test provides a preliminary semi-quantitative, qualitative analytical test result without the need of special equipment or training. A specially treated test pad chemically reacts with the test sample to provide a color change that compares with six(6) predetermined levels of blood cholesterol ranging from 150mg/dL to 300+mg/dL. The test does not require special equipment or training and can be easily performed at home. For a basic comparison chart of the different features of the cholesterol tests currently available see the Brand Comparison Chart. For frequently asked questions see the Cholesterol FAQ. For specificity and accuracy analysis see the Chemcard Technical Specifications.
Studies have been conducted that show the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) rises linearly with blood cholesterol levels. Individuals with elevated blood cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL or greater are considered at increased risk for the development of coronary artery disease. These tests are intended to identify those individuals with elevated blood cholesterol levels. In October 1987, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's National Cholesterol Education Program at the National Institute of Health released a report on the detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults. The panel simplified the previous guidelines published in 1985. The new report eliminates the age and sex categories for risk levels and classifies total cholesterol levels as follows:
Note: All results of 200 mg/dL or greater should be repeated by a quantitative laboratory method before a diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia is made.
The CHEMCARD™ Cholesterol Tests incorporate a solid phase chemistry that employs the same principle as the enzymatic wet chemistries which are presently being used in many hospital laboratories. This enzymatic reaction makes use of a highly sensitive chromogen, tetramethylbenzidine, which allows for a visual determination of blood cholesterol. The test incorporates a unique cell separator as an integral part of the device. This separation device allows the use of whole blood as a specimen.
Note: This test is intended as an indication of possible elevated cholesterol levels only and should not be interpreted or used as a determination or diagnosis of any disease or condition. This test is for forensic, professional use only. See caution below.
The CHEMCARD™ test is intended for use with fresh capillary blood collected from a finger prick. Finger prick samples are a large drop of free flowing capillary blood. Excessive squeezing or "milking" should be avoided when obtaining samples as this can produce somewhat lower results.
MATERIALS PROVIDED WITH EACH TEST PROCEDURE
(KIT VERSION ONLY)
Preparation Clean fingertip with provided alcohol swab and let dry. Allowing the alcohol to dry minimizes any sting from the lancet. Prick finger with the sterile safety lancet provided. Discard the first drop of blood.
Procedure Gently Squeeze finger to obtain a large or "hanging" drop of blood Carefully place the drop onto the small circular test pad identified on the CHEMCARD. Wait exactly three (3) minutes for chemical reaction and development. Use a timer. Test Results After 3 minutes, remove the entire Tab area from the test card and discard. Compare the color in the center of the wheel (test pad) with the colors surrounding it and determine the Cholesterol level within 30 seconds.
System cholesterol values are obtained by direct visual comparison with the color wheel surrounding the reactive pad printed on each test card. After development time the reactive pad will turn from blood red to progressively darker shades of blue/green. Note: Since this is a qualitative judgment involving color, shade and intensity, it is often helpful to get another persons opinion of test results. Note: It is important to make the color comparison within 60 seconds as the test area will begin to fade after one (1) minute. Each of the six color panels represent a system cholesterol threshold range. The lightest color compares to a level of 150 mg/dl cholesterol. Each successive darker panel compares to system cholesterol levels of 175, 200, 225, 250 and 300+ mg/dl respectively. A reactive pad that appears lighter than the 150 color block should be interpreted as a cholesterol result less than 150 mg/dl cholesterol. Likewise, a reactive pad that appears as dark or darker than the 300+ color block should be interpreted as greater than 300 mg/dl. In the example result shown on the left, the color of the test area indicates a cholesterol level of 200 mg/dl or less or 5.2mmol/l system cholesterol. Frequently Asked Questions. For specificity and accuracy analysis see the Chemcard Technical Specifications.
Important: Independent reagent calibration of this cholesterol test is not required nor is the use of any reagent controls. The color wheel on each lot of test cards is calibrated by use of precise standards during manufacturing including extensive quality control procedures.
One order unit or complete kit contains five (5) individual tests with accessories as noted above. Complete kits are available for 5 and 15 test procedures. A Professional Physician pack of 24 bulk test cards only (no accessories) is also available as well as a master distributor case of 288 bulk test cards (12 boxes of 24 tests, no accessories).
