EasyLife Blood Cholesterol Monitor kit 3 in 1 Meter System, Glucose and uric Acid Test kit

After reading some other reviews I was on two minds wether to buy it or not.When this kit arrived I was so happy I did, it's so easy to use and I can now monitor my blood sugar and cholesterol levels at home and I've already changed my diet and reduced my both levels to what they should be excellent bit of kit.

I wanted to be able to test glucose, cholesterol, and uric acid, because I have type 2 diabetes as well as arthritis and gout. I read reviews for all the multi test units and compared prices, as well as checking to see how many test strips were included in the starter pack and the cost of purchasing future packs of strips, also how many tests the unit could record. I eventually decided on the EasyLife GCU unit starter pack.As several previous reviewers experienced problems I made sure to fully read all the instructions on the enclosed leaflets, which are easy to read and follow. I also watched video clips on YouTube which were also helpful. I wanted to get the best results possible and felt that learning as much as I could about the test unit would help and hopefully avoid problems others had had.I chose a quiet time to set everything up and prepare to do the tests, as I didn't want distractions from phones, kids, etc, or be rushed in carrying out the tests.I think it's a good idea that the unit gives the option of what measurement you want your results displayed in, this is easy to change but a little tricky to change due to where it's situated in the battery section. With having arthritis in my fingers the difficulty could just be mine however.I set the lancer to its highest setting as I wanted to make sure I was going to get enough blood for testing as this seemed to be a problem others had and I didn't want to waste test strips unnecessarily. It's a good idea to make sure you are properly hydrated in order to ensure good blood flow. Also make sure your hands are warm enough as this helps to make sure you have enough blood in your fingertips, cold hands usually means a lack of blood supply to the extremities, especially if you have Raynaud's syndrome or diabetic problems.So with clean warm hands and suitably hydrated I set out everything in front to me to begin the tests. I started with the glucose test as it was a familiar test to me as I had done this test on other units in the past and knew what kind of test result to expect for me. I did find using the code keys a bit fiddly, again this is more than likely a personal issue due to my level of arthritis in my fingers/hands. When you are loading the test strip with blood, make sure the blood droplet is big enough especially for the cholesterol test as it needs significantly more blood, keep your finger at the side of the strip until it beeps so that it is fully loaded.I was able to get good test results with every test and I'm sure that was because firstly I had learned from the mistakes/problems other reviewers had, and secondly by ensuring there was sufficient blood for the test strip.I would recommend this 3in1 test unit as it is very easy to use but please fully read the enclosed instructions to help you get the best from your investment in your purchase, and YouTube is helpful too.

A total con. The kit was provided without the control solution. The expiry date of the vials is several months before the the actual expiry which is a code E04. What a total waste of time and money. I will never buy a product with this brand name again.

I bought one of these 18 months ago and use it every few months, mainly for cholesterol checking for my Wife and myself, as we both come from high cholesterol families (but not proven as FH). Like other reviewers when first using the tester we had an occasional 'lo' reading and the strip is wasted, but generally I think this is due to just not enough blood in the test strip slot (as it only looked half filled) or maybe it could be the blood coagulates to quickly and affects the reading. So unfortunately the strip is wasted, but these things could happen with any type of home test kit for bodily fluids. We have found that trying to get good blood flow into the fingers before lancing usually gives a good 'bead' of blood and it flows into the strip quite well. Methods for this are swinging the arms around a few times, waving the hand downwards and wiggling the fingers or squeezing the test finger, towards the tip, with the other hand to push blood to the fingertip.As we test every few months then the results vary but if we see a high reading (5 - 6+) then we will test again a week or two later, and generally we always see readings between 3.5 - 5; which we think is about right for our lifestyle and diet for the period of time a few weeks before the test. We accept the readings are an average and not a guaranteed result that are perfect, and are of course a ‘total’ reading of the mixed HDL/LDL. You have to take into account the meter is a simple home test kit that provides the basic functional analysis and is nowhere near as accurate as Lab test results you would get from your doctor or an Online/In store test from a Chemist, which you have paid somewhere in between £10-20 for. I’m sure for some people, that also that depending on your short term lifestyle, just before the test, may influence results and therefore maybe tests should be taken when you know you’ve had an average period of time of normal everyday life. Taking the test the day after returning from a two week all-inclusive holiday might give skewed results.Last year, I had a Doctors cholesterol check a few weeks after using the tester and the results were 4.3 on the test kit and 4.7 at the doctors, so not too different after assuming the difference of a few weeks. So taking into account the cholesterol strips cost approx £2 and you get a basic result (when you have taken the time to setup and use correctly) then I think it's worth it. It would cost £2+ to drive to nearest chemist to then pay to get an in-store test done. The only negative I have with the strips are that they are time limited, so you have to ensure you buy strips with long lifetime.I think you just have to accept it is a simple basic home test kit and provides the convenience for a cheap home test and gives you an average result which you can then take action on. It is not designed as the precise reading that a Doctor or professional would use to determine further action for you; and importantly you also you have to take into account your own lifestyle and diet over the short and long terms to understand the results may vary. If you have any doubts about the results then you should always go and have a professional test carried out and seek further advice as required.If you have the need or think that you need to test cholesterol every few months or even just occasionally then there is no point in moaning about the cost of the strips, after you have bought the tester. In the modern day you can’t just drop into the doctors every few months to request a Cholesterol Test, so either pay the money up front for an online/chemist test or use the tester as intended – a basic functional test for cholesterol (or blood sugar if required).

Ive been using mine for few years now with no problems at all. I do have to follow the instructions to make sure I get it right (but that could be my age!) lol... however, it does what it says and helps you get an accurate reading, its quick and easy to use as long as you follow the steps necessary. Highly recommended.

I purchased this product as I've recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Firstly the instructions are a pain! You have to constantly flip between various bits of paper to work out how the device works and how to use it. You only get 2 test strips in the kit. You then have to buy further test strips at over £20 for 10 strips! The reading you get is either Low or High, you don't get the actual figure. At £50 I found this to be a very basic machine and the fact that the cost of replacement strips is so high means I would not recommend this product! Look elsewhere. There are cheaper products that do the same job.