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Home Health Tests

The home testing industry is exploding. 'Best's Review,' a monthly trade magazine, estimates that sales of home testing kits in this country will hit nearly $3 billion dollars by year's end. The Early Show's medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay has important information on this growing trend.

There are several reasons behind home testing popularity. The first is convenience. Since the late 1970s women have had access to home pregnancy tests, which give nearly instant results, and people have now come to expect that kind of convenience for other procedures such as in a cholesterol test.

Another reason is money. For many tests, no prescription is needed and therefore no costly trip to the doctor's office is required.

There is also the issue of privacy. Some people are embarrassed about bringing samples and or specimens into their doctor's office. You don't get that with home testing kits.

How do I know if these tests are reliable?

Make sure the tests have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This should usually be indicated on the label. If you're in doubt, speak with your pharmacist, or go to the FDA's Web site, which has a list of all the approved home testing kits. Tests sold in pharmacies are usually legitimate, however be wary of tests sold over the Internet.

There are now FDA approved tests to screen for hepatitis C, HIV, infertility in men, menopause and drug abuse.

These tests do not replace your doctor. If a test detects that you are sick, don't try to treat it yourself. People who rely too much on home tests can miss out on the important counseling a doctor can give if the diagnosis is bad.

The following are some tips that should be followed to ensure the safety and accuracy of home testing kits.

Store properly
Make sure the test is placed in an area that is not exposed to extreme temperatures,which can cause the product to deteriorate.

Check expiration date
The chemicals in these tests can become outdated and ineffective if not used in time.

Follow instructions
It is very important that you follow the directions exactly as they appear. Failure to do so can lead to inaccurate results.

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