Experts warn over test kits

Health experts have warned the public against using test kits to detect certain ailments saying that results are not always correct and can be misleading.

Many people purchase testing kits from pharmacies and conduct their own check-ups for various conditions, such as blood sugar level, cholesterol, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease.

However, health experts warn that these testing kits might not give correct results and might also be misleading.

Speaking to Gulf News, Amin Al Amiri, Director of the Sharjah Blood Bank, said some home testing kits might not give accurate results. "With these home testing kits, there is variation of 10 to 15 per cent in the results and some of them are not certified by ISO 9000," he said.

According to Al Amiri, these kits are recommended to be used for normal checkups, but not as a replacement for hospital checkups.

"It is very important to take care of these kits, continuous cleaning and proper storage of the strips of tests, otherwise they will lead to false results," said Al Amiri.

Another medical expert in Dubai who asked not to be named said these tests are designed to be used in conjunction with visits to general practitioners.

"People should understand that these tests cannot provide a diagnosis for a disease. These home testing kits can also deliver bad news to patients, which I believe is not good. The doctor will always know how to deal with the patient and how to convey any bad news," he said.

He added that these home testing kits can be useful if there is a history of certain conditions.

"Such kits can help monitor cholesterol levels closely, but not for diagnosing new health conditions. They might help the patient and encourage him to visit his GP," he said. Shamiya Naseem, a pharmacist in Dubai, said the highest demand is for blood pressure kits and sugar level checking strips.

"People from different nationalities purchase these home testing kits. There are different types of home testing kits like pregnancy, blood pressure and sugar level testing kits," she said.

According to Shamiya, people prefer these home testing kits rather than going to hospitals because they are cheaper. These home testing kits are sold to people without any prescription, she said.

Osama Ahmed, another pharmacist from Sharjah, said these home testing kits are good for those who are reluctant to visit a doctor.