Editorial Review
The CardioChek Blood Testing Device helps monitor cholesterol. With the CardioChek instrument and the PTS panels test strips, you now have an entire health management system in the palm of your hand. The CardioChek is a hand-held medical diagnostics system that monitors key health indicators, including total cholesterol,
Monitor your blood with the CardioChek device. View larger. |
HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, plus blood glucose and ketones -- all in the comfort of your own home. The CardioChek blood testing device provides the tools for meeting cholesterol screening management guidelines. Only PTS can provide this wide of a range of whole blood testing in a portable, easy-to-use system, with clinically accurate results.
The system includes a meter instrument, but you'll have to purchase the test strips to meet your needs. This simple blood test system displays the results of your blood test in about one minute, with accurate results every time. Unlike other systems that only test one specific health indicator -- such as cholesterol or blood glucose -- the CardioChek meter allows you to test a range of key health indicators. And, because of CardioChek's modular PTS panels technology, the device can never become obsolete; it is designed to run new tests as they are developed.
The CardioChek home health test kit may reduce your risk from the complications of heart disease. Most important is good glycemic control through diet, exercise, blood monitoring and medication. The CardioChek glucose monitor and cholesterol tester is the first and only complete health management product that can perform multiple tests on one device. Color-coded strips and MEMo chips provide easy identification and correct calibration. As new tests become approved, the device is easily upgraded to include new test chemistries.
You'll find this device to be useful and discreet as it provides you with all the information you need to for effective cholesterol screen management. CardioChek is one of the only devices on the market that provides this wide of a range of whole blood testing in a portable, easy-to-use system, with clinically accurate results in just a few short minutes. In addition to testing, the CardioChek also features an internal memory for storing results for quick and easy review.
1. Insert MEMo chip. | 
2. Insert a test strip. | 
3. Apply a blood sample. | 
4. Read the results. |
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Customer Reviews
Great idea, needs further development 
2008-04-03
The CardioChek product for measuring cholesterol is a great concept but needs some further improvements. The three finger stabs is not that bad, since you might typically measure your cholesterol once a month or so. I found my readings to be consistently lower than measurements made by a blood diagnostic center. If you're looking for trends, this product should give you that (but compare with a blood diagnostic center's results). If you're looking for accuracy, you won't get it.
I also noticed that Curcumin (a component of the spice Turmeric) deceives the HDL measurement *significantly*. Since the manufacturer doesn't test how its measurements are affected by supplements (or spices), there is room for considerable error.
Happy with it. 
2007-11-22
Happy with this product. Yes you have to get blood from 3 of your fingers I use it for HDL, Cholesterol and Triglycerides)but it is a small price to pay compared to it's benefits.
Do Not Waste Your Money 
2007-05-27
The results from this product NEVER matched the results from my Doctor's office. Also, not easy to use and wrong strips included.
Very inaccurate 2006-11-19
I've used the CardioChek 6 times, and had my cholesterol checked at a doctor's office during the same period. My cholesterol levels according to the doctor's tests are always around 200. With the CardioChek they vary by as much as 90 points. It is a lot of trouble (and expensive) to purchase 3 sets of test strips and stab myself 3 times to test total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, and Triglycerides. No test strips are included in the package when I purchased the CardioChek. The box says "includes check strips" but those are something other than test strips.
bad test strips 
2006-11-12
I bought this product and the accuracy depends on having good test strips.
I simultaneously had bloodwork at the Doctor's office when I did the test.
Except for the total cholesterol, all the other tests were off. The manual states to check for the blue color at the back of the test strips after the test is done. Except for total cholestrol the other test strips did not have a blue color. The test strips which are expensive were bad. I am planning on returning this product
Accuracy Concern 2008-07-08
I've owned this system for several months and my main concern is Accuracy, or rather lack of. I have had my Lipid Panel done at a clinic and this tester has been WAY off as compared to their results, more than once.
I have carefully followed the instructions, fasted overnight everytime, and I know I've done everything prudent to get my readings as correct as possible. As another review mentioned, this tester may be good to show trends, but I would NOT assume that it is absolutely exact.
Another thing I noticed early on...lighting matters. I was in my bedroom with my nightstand light on and I got an error message that said 'too much light'. As soon as I moved away from the lamp it worked. Because this tester works on a light transparency method, it seems even your room lighting may effect your results, so be aware when you test.
The basic concept of this tester is good, and certainly cheaper than going to a doctor, but please be aware that if your readings seem to be unhealthy you should follow-up at a clinic just to be sure...good luck.
Cardiochek PA 
2008-06-05
I opted to pay more for the PA version so I could run all three tests with one drop of blood. I fasted, made sure I had an adequate blood sample, and followed directions exactly. The results matched almost perfectly with the results I obtained from the lab a week earlier. I'm perfectly happy with this unit.
Great home testing device 2008-05-02
We have owned this device for many years and use it fairly regularly. My boyfriend doesn't like doctors, so it's good to have the CardioChek device for nearly instant home testing whenever we wish. It's great!
The device is about the size of a long pack of cigarettes and is SUPER easy to use. You can buy a variety of test strips for it. We have the total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and Triglycerides tests. From these, you can also calculate your LDL levels quite easily.
You turn on the CardioChek, slide in whichever strip you want to use, and then add in a drop of blood. We have an AutoLancet which is a one-button push pen-like item that easily gets a drop of blood without much pain at all. Then you wait maybe 30 seconds, and the device tells you the exact number.
We haven't had any problems with this system at all. If anything, the problem we have is that I don't bleed easily and my blood refuses to leave my body :) I find that running my hand or foot under warm water for a few minutes helps out. My toes seem to work better than my fingers, and are less sensitive, too.
Highly recommended, we haven't had any problems with this at all in the many years of use.
NOTE: There are multiple entries in Amazon for this device. Take a look at the other entry to see all the positive reviews for it. Yes you have to calculate the LDL value. I don't think a quick test *exists* for LDL. Plus, you always want to know all four numbers. Just knowing your LDL wouldn't be enough. You would would always want to do 3 out of the 4 tests, and then calculate the fourth, even if they DID have a LDL test. That way you can know all four numbers (which you do need to know) but only pay for 3 tests (to save some money).
As far as the test's accuracy, I can only guess that some people are doing this test right after they eat a gigantic meal full of sugars and fats. These tests *are* affected by what you eat! Do them first thing in the morning, after you've had a "natural fast" (i.e. sleep, unless you sleep-eat) and you'll be fine.
Not ready for prime time - skip it 2008-04-30
I bought this product because I have very high tryglicerides... After purchasing it and expensive strips I see in the user manual that the device will display an error if your tryglicerides are over 400... Mine are at 1200, down from over 3000 and hopefully, still improving, but it will be a long time before I can use this device to test them- and with the 'expiration date' on the test strips, some of them just a few months away, all of this is basically junk.
I took my cholestrol since that should be in range and it read 258... I'm not sure how much I trust it as my fasting cholestorl as measured by the doctor last week was 40 points higher. I sure hope it's a legitimate result but I know it should be higher, a lot higher.
Also the single use lancets supplied mean that if you 'miss' or don't get a good prick you'll have to buy/find your own- I wish they used the standard lancet type pen that comes with glucose meters, you'd think for what they are charging for the test strips they could provide quality lancets.
It's a great idea and I hope in coming years better meters come out that can test faster, larger ranges, and such- but this isn't there yet. I guess if you're levels are are 'normal' you can use it but why would you waste your money on this if you're levels are decent to begin with.
Works very well, for me. 2008-04-06
This unit seems to give fairly accurate results when compared to lab readings on my last CBC work-up. I needed to modify the blood sampling procedure, leaving out the pipette step by applying the blood drop directly to the testing strip, but once I got my routine down, it was very easy to run tests. I recommend this unit, as long as you are wiling to take the time to read, and understand, the manual and take the time to take, and apply, good samples. The lancette device is relatively pain-free, but you must be willing to hold it firmly against your finger and be ready for that little jump when it makes contact. Once I got used to everything, I was very glad I bought this unit. After almost two years, it still gives me reliable service.
