Today I got a reading for TC, TG, and HDL, but then for the next values of LDL, LDL/HDL, TG/HDL, non-HDL the screen read as in the picture. It looks like 0 - 8 but with the bottom bar cut off. So I am not sure what it really is. There is nothing in the instruction book explaining this.

This machine was working great the first few times, but now I notice that the collection tube tends to get stuck or slow in accepting the blood at the half way point. So that means it's a struggle to fill up to the fill line. I worry that if the fill process slows down too much that it might be creating a clog at the start of the collection tube. Some times there is a tiny bubble in the tube. So I just wonder if I failed to get a complete reading because of there not being enough blood? I did fill to the fill line, and when I deposited the blood on the strip, it beeped and told me to close the lid. I figured that meant it got the right amount of blood. So what is this all about?

I've been trying to run hot water on my hands and swing my arms a few times prior to poking my finger in an attempt to get the blood to flow faster. Still I see the collection tube getting sort of clogged at the tip. It wastes tubes if I have start all over because a given tube won't accept enough blood.

Other than that issue, I like the ease of use of the machine itself and the fact that one can get readings for TC, TG, HDL, and LDL. It feels like a good quality machine, but I feel that collection tube needs to be improved.

UPDATE

I have been getting the hang of it. I squeeze my finger to get a big blood drop, collect that, then keep on repeating. I notice that when I tilt the collection tube upright that's when an air bubble can form so it's best to keep it level and only tilt slightly when putting the tube at the blood drop. Once an air bubble forms there is danger of a clot forming in the tube and then it's possible that the blood gets sticky in the tube and won't come out. I wish we could by extra tubes for when mistakes happen.

Make sure to watch the video on YouTube or read the instructions. The device is simple to use and gives what seems to be quite accurate results.

If you struggle with the pipet. Lay it on its side when you pierce the finger (middle worked for me) massage the finger from the middle upwards and you should get plenty of blood. It really doesn't use that much blood as stated in other reviews at all (prob 2-3 drops max).

01/14/2021 Did my first reading yesterday and it was spot on to my Quest Diagnostics reading the previous day (wanted to compare prior to starting at home testing). DESPITE taking the time to read the instructions twice . . . and then putting them into play . . . I still did it wrong. You must insert the tester first, close the door, wait for it to tell you to open the door and then add sample.

I did call customer service and they were exceedingly helpful. Such a breathe of fresh air when a company actually wants to help you use its product.

Update in about 2 weeks!

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01/21/2021 Update:

Still going well. I have used this 3 times now in a week. You MUST FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS IMPLICITLY!

If you don't put in enough blood - it won't work.
If you put in too much blood - it won't work.
If you add blood sample before the reader gives you the indication it is ready - it won't work.

- Insert batteries and cartridge in reader.
- Go through instructions to set time/date, etc. Not difficult.
- Clap your hands, shake your hands - to get your blood flowing.
- Alcohol your intended lance location.
- Lance your finger with the provided lancet and squeeze (pick a location that you can "squeeze" easily).
- Use 2 fingers to completely depress the bulb on the collection tube . . . so you have enough suction to suction enough blood the 1st try.
- Fill the tube with blood to the black line as instructed (if you don't have enough - it won't work and you will waste a test).
- Put the tube of blood on the side for a minute (at an angle with opening facing up so it doesn't drip out) . . . band aid your lanced area.
- Turn on the reader (that you just programmed with date/time, etc.)
- Insert the sample collection "tray" - you must hear a "CLICK" to indicate it is in its proper place. You do not need to open the cover to insert this piece. If you don't hear a click - it won't work.
- Wait for the reader to tell you to add the blood sample.
- Once the reader tells you to add the blood sample - open the cover.
- Add the proper amount of blood sample.
- CLOSE the lid. You will see a "thinking" hourglass for just a second. Then the 3:00 minute timer starts.

DO NOT MOVE IT. DO NOT OPEN THE COVER. JUST LET IT BE!

After 3:00 minutes . . . you have all readings. Arrow through to see them (instructions indicate as much).

Readings are clear and concise.

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02/05/2021 Update:

Had an appointment with Quest today (order from my doctor) for annual cholesterol readings. I immediately came home and while still fasting did a test.

Will compare and post numbers when Quest results come back.

Update on process: I was having issues with sucking the blood from my finger into the little tube. So . . . now I drip blood into a 1/4 teaspoon spoon. After I have 5 of 6 good drips, I THEN use the dropper to withdraw blood from the 1/4 teaspoon into the tube. You only have to depress the bulb once (to create the suction) and the blood flows up into the tube in one movement. No worry about "bubbles" in the tube from trying to suck blood up several times via several suction actions.
"”"”"”"”"”"”"”"”-
Update: 2/22/2021

I now drip my blood into a 1/4 teaspoon and then use the tube to suction what I need.

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Updated: 03/12/2021

Me and this thing have a relationship now. Do a test every week. Works like a charm. YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO USE IT - DON'T JUST GUESS! IT'S ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS USER!

Many reviewers have commented on the accuracy of this device. For what it is intended to do (i.e., provide you with a range + or - 10% of your lipid panel readings, or approximately 20 or so points, as indicated by the company), it does work as designed. A couple of notes that others reviewers have mentioned: 1) Watch the instructional video on the Amazon site or other sites; it's important to fill the EziTube to the black mark and let the capillary action draw the blood into the tube, so don't squeeze the tube to draw in the blood. 2) No single reading is ever definitive, so take an average of three or more results and compare them to your lab results from your doctor; toss out any result that seems particularly far outside the average since the readings really do tend to correspond to how meticulous you clean your hands, take the blood sample, etc. When I compared my average results with lab work, they were actually within +/- 5 % or about 10 points. 3) There is no control solution so the included control strip has no purpose. There are also no blood glucose strips; I emailed the company and they simply don't sell the strips (likely because they have a blood glucose meter for sale as well). 4). Make sure to take your readings after fasting; cholesterol levels do not significantly change with food intake but your triglycerides will spike, so for more accurate overall readings, make sure to fast for approximately 8 hours. 5) Take your time to read the manual and understand the device; don't rush to use it until you fully understand how to use it. This will make a significant difference in your results and your expectations for the device.

I like that I can find out my results at home. I have used it 3 times. Every time I forget how to use it, I open a YouTube to remind me how to use it. The needle poker needs improvement or you need to buy a better one. The rest is fine.