If you want to do something for your health today, you have many opportunities to do so. In addition to healthy eating, stress reduction and exercise, simple tests from the pharmacy help to find out about one’s own state of health and to recognize impending limitations in good time. It is very important, however, that clear warning signals from the body – despite possible negative test results – are not simply ignored, but that a doctor is consulted in case of doubt.
Tests from the pharmacy
Do-it-yourself tests, health tests, pharmacy tests, home diagnostics: the number of terms is large, the options for testing diverse. The tests are usually differentiated by the diseases or abnormalities to be screened for, for example, diabetes, pregnancy, cholesterol or tooth decay. The tests pick up on specific metabolic processes and make the results visible in colored test fields. Urine or blood are usually tested. Saliva samples are analyzed in tests for caries risk or plaque, the dangerous dental plaque, and in paternity testing.
Stroke – a risk test provides information
The German Stroke Foundation, with support from the drug manufacturer Pfizer, has developed a risk test according to which the individual risk profile of participants can be determined. The special feature is the calculation of probabilities for the occurrence of both stroke, heart attack and AVK (arterial occlusive disease). Three diseases between which there is a close relationship and which have identical risk factors. The 12-question risk test is sent by the participant to the Stiftung Deutsche Schlaganfall-Hilfe (German Stroke Foundation) with a nominal fee of 5 euros in stamps. In strict compliance with data protection laws, a detailed, four-page risk profile is created based on the personal information provided. In addition to individual disease risks, an easy-to-understand signal display in traffic light form and an explanation of risk factors, a second part provides instructions for changing behavior. The test can be downloaded from the Stiftung Deutsche Schlaganfallhilfe website. Source: German Stroke Foundation
Pregnant or not?
The tests used to detect the pregnancy hormone HCG in urine are certainly among the best known. The most reliable result is obtained after the absence of the period, because before that the concentration of the hormone is too low. In recent years, these tests have become much more sensitive and reliable, so that the hormone can be detected very early in pregnancy. A negative result despite the absence of the period should be checked gynecologically in any case.
The paternity test – almost 100 percent certainty.
For some time now, a paternity test has also been available in pharmacies. The test is based on DNA analysis and provides a reliable result that can be used in court within three days. The test kit contains four cotton swabs and test tubes. The cotton swabs are used to collect samples of the oral mucosa from the father and child. A sample from the mother is useful in any case. The test tubes with the saliva samples are then sent to a testing laboratory for analysis. Up to 20 DNA identity characteristics are compared with each other. With the help of biostatistics programs, a probability of paternity of over 99.999 percent can usually be calculated. Exclusion is even one hundred percent possible.
Stomach test for Helicobacter pylori
Stomach pain, heartburn, malaise and bloating are often the first signs of the stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The rapid test detects whether an infection is present after just 15 minutes. It detects specific antibodies in the blood that are formed during an infection by the bacterium. The test can be easily performed by the patient himself or with the help of another person on the basis of the instructions for use. Again, blood is applied to a test cassette and the result is displayed in the viewing window after 15 minutes.
Detect colorectal cancer in time
In Western industrialized nations, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer. In the Federal Republic of Germany alone, around 57,000 people contract colorectal cancer each year. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases significantly after the age of 45.Unlike other cancers, colorectal cancer develops over years from precursors and often causes no symptoms. Symptoms only appear relatively late. However, with regular screening, it can be detected, treated and cured at an early stage. By testing for “hidden” (occult) blood in the stool, the patient can detect at home whether the stool contains small amounts of blood. This may be an indication of precancerous colorectal disease. Flat tumors and polyps can cause minor bleeding in the bowel that is excreted in the stool. This blood is detected in the test strip within 7-10 minutes. The test reacts positively whenever a polyp or tumor present in the intestine bleeds. However, since both do this only at intervals, a negative stool test is not proof of the absence of intestinal polyps or tumors. Stool tests therefore detect only about 30 percent of any polyps or tumors that may be present. The test result can also be falsified by certain foods. In addition to home testing, there is also the option of collecting stool samples and sending them to a laboratory. For all tests, samples must be collected on three consecutive days. Bleeding hemorrhoids or even a menstrual period can falsify the result.
Diabetes – a disease with serious consequences
The simplest test measures the amount of sugar in the urine. However, since in diabetes sugar is excreted only after a certain stage of the disease, the test is not suitable for early detection. A blood test is safer for this, and can also be done as part of a health consultation at the pharmacy. A “multi-screen urine test” can be used to test for diabetes, kidney disease and urinary tract disease. However, this test is very prone to errors and requires particularly careful performance. For example, large amounts of vitamin C, fruit acids, antibiotics or even pregnancy can falsify the result. The evaluation of the test is also too complicated for laypersons.
Heart attack – still the most common cause of death in Germany
For some time now, a heart attack test has been on the market that detects heart muscle damage within 15 minutes. To do this, certain proteins are detected in the blood that enter the bloodstream one to three hours after a heart attack. The procedure is simple: a small prick in the fingertip is used to draw blood, which is then applied to a test cassette. Different antibodies are applied to the cassette and react with the heart muscle proteins over the course of 15 minutes. A control strip confirms that the test has been performed correctly. While the ease of use of the test and the accuracy of its message are undisputed, cardiologists warn that there is a time lag in performing the test. Anyone who suspects an acute heart attack should always call 911 directly.
PSA test for early detection of prostate cancer.
The test – like most commercially available tests – is based on the detection of an antibody formed in prostate tumors. However, the reliability of the test has been questioned. In addition, sampling is complicated and it is feared that affected men will be further confused by unclear findings. The test is primarily intended for men aged 45 and older who do not take advantage of the preventive examinations offered by health insurance companies.
Elevated cholesterol – a risk factor for cardiovascular disease
In this test for elevated cholesterol, a drop of blood is placed on a test strip and evaluated by a meter. The equipment needed for evaluation can be purchased at a pharmacy or the test can be done entirely there. In general, pharmacists are trained to determine certain blood values and can perform them competently in their pharmacies. However, they cannot and should not make a diagnosis.
