The SURESIGN Cholesterol Total++ Test uses a small sample of blood to determine your cholesterol level.
This test measures low density levels (LDL) and high density levels (HDL) of cholesterol in the blood. LDL is made up mainly of fat and a small amount of protein, it is more commonly known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. Too much LDL can cause cholesterol deposits to build up in the arteries making it harder for blood to flow through the arteries. High levels of LDL can lead to cardio vascular disease.
High Density levels (HDL) consists mainly of protein with only a small amount of fat.
HDL helps prevents deposits of cholesterol from building up in the arteries and is often referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol.
The box contains everything you need to run a total cholesterol and HDL Cholesterol screening test. Please read all instructions before running the test. If you have any questions, please call the Customer Care Help Line at: 0800 0430318 ROI 0818 333181.
Intended use:
The Total ++ Cholesterol Test is intended for the semi-quantitative determination of total cholesterol and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol in whole blood. It is intended for self testing only. Routine measurement of blood cholesterol is recommended for men over 35 years old and women over 45 years if there are no other risk factors. If other risk factors are present, testing is recommended for all those over 20 years old.
Principle of the test:
The Total ++ Cholesterol Test comprises of a cassette containing two test strips – one for total cholesterol and one for HDL cholesterol. A sample of whole blood is absorbed on to a receiving pad on the back of the test strip. The blood sample absorbs through to the front of the test strip and reacts with the reagents. The chemistry uses the well established cholesterol esterase/cholesterol oxidase enzymatic reaction to produce hydrogen peroxide which, catalysed by peroxidase, converts a colourless indicator to a coloured product. The colour produced on the reaction pad can be related to the cholesterol concentration in the blood by comparison to the colour chart.
Storage and handling:
• Store the test in a dry place at room temperature (18-27°C; 64-81°F) out of direct sunlight.
• DO NOT use the test after the expiration date indicated on the pack.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Do not open the foil pouch in a steamy bathroom.
• Use the test as soon as you have removed it from the foil pouch.
NOTE: If you choose only to perform one test, the cassette should be disposed of once the result of the single test has been obtained.
Warnings and precautions:
This test is for (in-vitro) self-testing only.
• For external use only.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not ingest.
• Not recommended for use by haemophiliacs or individuals taking medicines that thin blood (anticoagulants).
• Individuals who are colour blind should have another person read their test result.
• Do not use the test after an acute illness until at least 1 month of convalescence has elapsed.
• Do not run the test within 4 hours after taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) or Vitamin C tablets (500 mg or more).
• If you are taking Viagra® or a similar drug, have another person read the test result if you are performing the Total Cholesterol Test within 6 hours of taking the drug as these drugs may temporarily affect your perception of blue and green colours.
• Use only with fresh blood.
• Do not use with other body fluids.
• Do not use for testing food or animals.
• Do not use if the foil pouch has been damaged (opened or split).
• Do not reuse the lancet, pipette, or test strip.
• Used test materials should be disposed of in household waste.
• Use only the pipette supplied to transfer blood to the test strip.
• NEVER ADJUST YOUR MEDICATION BASED ON YOUR TEST RESULT(S)
Blood collection:
The Total ++ Cholesterol Test must be performed using FRESH whole blood. You should test the blood sample immediately after obtaining it. The lancet included in the kit should able you to provide enough blood to fill the two collection pipettes so that both the Total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol tests may be completed.
1. Your cholesterol level may vary if you are pregnant, take birth control or oestrogen replacement pills, or if you have certain medical conditions or recent illnesses. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about the meaning of your total cholesterol test result – You should NEVER
adjust your medication based on your test results – Consult your doctor.
2. A high Total Cholesterol level is just one risk factor for heart disease. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, a diet high in saturated fats, and insufficient exercise.
Ask your doctor for advice about how you can reduce your overall risk of heart disease.
3. If you have no other risk factors, it is recommended that you test your cholesterol level every 5 years. If you have other risk factors it is advisable to check your cholesterol more frequently.
If you are unsure about the condition of your health and the appropriate treatment, always speak to a medical professional. All content on this website is for information purposes only and should not be regarded as professional medical advice. Always read the product label and instructions prior to using any product.