Medical Tests FAQs

Testing FAQ

How do doctors test for diabetes?

The initial test a GP will often do is a urine test to look for glucose in your urine. If this is positive, the doctor will then arrange blood tests, which may include a Blood Glucose and HbA1c.

Blood Glucose = Blood Sugar Level

HbA1c = A marker for how high your blood sugar has been on average for the past 2-3 months.

What is a fasting blood glucose?

Blood Glucose level increases following a meal in everyone, whether you are diabetic or not. Hence Blood Glucose measurement may be skewed if it is taken soon after a meal. To prevent this doctors sometimes perform what is called a Fasting Blood Glucose test, where you are asked not to eat anything for 8-10 hours before the test. You can drink water. The test is usually done first thing in the morning at your GP surgery, so that it means you just miss your breakfast. 

What is a normal blood glucose level?

A normal fasting blood glucose is between 4-7mM.

A normal Random Blood Glucose level is 4-11mM (needs to be taken at least 2 hours after eating).

How do you test for diabetes at home?

The simplest test is a urine test which you can perform easily at home to screen for glucose in your urine. You can buy Urine Glucose Test Strips from Valuemed, under the section Medical Tests. If you detect glucose in your urine you should make an appointment with your GP. 

How fast are the results of the rapid strep test and can I use this test with my child?

The results only take 5 minutes but the Strep A Tests are for professional use and if you do not have any medical knowledge we would not recommend it for home use, we would advise that you see your local GP.

Can I test myself for H Pylori infection?

There is now a simple, easy, accurate and quick home stool test kit that detects active H Pylori infection. The H Pylori home test kits can be purchased from Valuemed. They can be found under the home test kits menu.

Can I be drug tested at work?

Your employer may ask you to take a drug test at work. If it is not part of your employment contract that you may be drug tested, then you can refuse to take the drug test. Your employer requires your consent in order to drug test you. Many UK companies now have a drug and alcohol testing policy for the workplace as part of their company policies.

Can you buy home drug testing kits?

We have a selection of reliable easy to use accurate accurate drug testing kits that can be used at home to test either urine and saliva for drugs. For home drug testing urine drug testing kits are the best choice, as they detect drug use for a longer period ie the detection period for urine drug tests is longer than with saliva drug testing, where the detection window for drugs is much shorter.

Can I test my own urine?

Yes you can test your urine for the following:

  • Drugs 
  • Infection
  • Diabetes
  • Ketones
  • Liver function
  • Renal function
  • Dehydration
  • Multiple health parameters
  • PH

We have urine dipsticks available in pots each containing 100 test strips that each test for multiple health parameters including infection, diabetes, ketones, liver function, kidney function, dehydration and PH.

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