What are medical testing devices?

Medical testing devices are products that perform medical tests. They are usually designed for at-home use, in order to spare time and expenses associated with visits to the doctor's office or the hospital. Medical testing devices are eligible for reimbursement with consumer-directed healthcare accounts whether purchased as Over-the-Counter (OTC) or with a prescription. Medical testing devices measure things like cholesterol, blood tests, blood pressure, asthma, blood coagulation, and more. Cholesterol monitors Home cholesterol monitors are a type of medical testing device that produces a cholesterol reading. There are a number of factors which can be measured, including glucose, HDL, triglycerides, or overall cholesterol (Mayo Clinic). Laser Lancing Devices Laser lancing devices are a type of medical testing device that aids with drawing blood. A laser lancing device has an adjustable puncture setting, and causes less pain than a needle or prick (American Diabetes Association). Home EKG Devices Home EKG devices are a type of medical testing device that performs similar work to a professional EKG device. Home EKG devices typically measure heart rate and arrhythmia, deviations and irregularities in order to tell a patient whether a full EKG and/or physician's assistance are recommended (WebMD). Home Blood Pressure Monitors Home blood pressure monitors are a medical testing device that may be used in conjunction with a medical doctor's guidance for maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range and/or for recognizing medical concerns or emergencies that would require medical attention (American Heart Association). Asthma Monitors Asthma monitors are a medical testing device that recognize how well asthma medication is performing by measuring the force and volume of a patient's lung exhalations (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). Blood Coagulation Monitors Blood coagulation monitors require a blood sample in order to read the blood's thinness, or coagulation. Patients who take prescription blood thinners may need a device like a blood coagulation monitor in order to ensure their blood is not rendered dangerously thin by medication (Bio-AMD).