CURO-L7 Professional Grade Blood Cholesterol Testing with Home KIT - All-in-One Test Device, Test Strips 5ea, Lancets, and EziTube Rod Included

It worked as advertised when I received it 2 months ago but has not since then despite very carefully following the exact same instructions I did the 1st time. The tester gave me an E1 code for 4 of 5 test strips they sent with it, & they were nowhere near expiration. I used all the test strips (as the book suggests) & can't get any more in time for what I bought this tester for. When I called during the hours specified nobody answered the phone for days & there is no answer machine. My email was not responded to. When someone eventually answered the phone they seemed to be trying to dial out. At first they implied I did not follow the directions properly after I them very carefully following both sets of instructions the 1st time & every time since then. The test strips failed 4 out of 5 times with an E1 code Then they told me to take a video of me performing a test & seemed confused when I explained I cannot do that because I followed the instructions & used all the test strips they sent with it. They refused to send me some more test strips, & even if they did I would not get them in time for what I bought the tester for. It worked fine when I received it (the results were in the ballpark of the professional labs I got about an hour before) but all the rest of the test strips failed with an E1 code even though I very carefully followed the exact same instructions I did for the first successful test. I also tried installing new name brand batteries, reset the tester, & did the setup process all over again, but still got an E1 code followed by a tester shut down. Curofit now says I must send the tester to them for "inspection", but I told them I did not have the time left to do that before what I bought the tester for, so it is a completely useless waste of my time & money

Using the very helpful videos from other Amazon reviewers, I successfully completed my first lipid panel test this morning. Like one other reviewer, I got a puzzling reading, but dug around a bit on the FAQ page for Curofit and found what it meant (because the reviewer was correct: it was NOT coded in the accompanying instruction manual). The reading for my LDL looked like that 0-8 with the bottoms cut off. It was actually "n - A" meaning "Not Available." What this meant, I gather, was that because my triglycerides came in as "lo" (meaning below the set calculation parameters: typically below 45 or 40, depending on how the labs are set), lacking a specific TG number, no precise LDL number could be derived. Still, the device gives a TOTAL for non-HDL cholesterol, and LDL can be generally inferred from this total. I'd have to say I'm pleased with how easy the device was to use on first try: but again, this is because other reviewers gave such good advice.

Today I got a reading for TC, TG, and HDL, but then for the next values of LDL, LDL/HDL, TG/HDL, non-HDL the screen read as in the picture. It looks like 0 - 8 but with the bottom bar cut off. So I am not sure what it really is. There is nothing in the instruction book explaining this. This machine was working great the first few times, but now I notice that the collection tube tends to get stuck or slow in accepting the blood at the half way point. So that means it's a struggle to fill up to the fill line. I worry that if the fill process slows down too much that it might be creating a clog at the start of the collection tube. Some times there is a tiny bubble in the tube. So I just wonder if I failed to get a complete reading because of there not being enough blood? I did fill to the fill line, and when I deposited the blood on the strip, it beeped and told me to close the lid. I figured that meant it got the right amount of blood. So what is this all about? I've been trying to run hot water on my hands and swing my arms a few times prior to poking my finger in an attempt to get the blood to flow faster. Still I see the collection tube getting sort of clogged at the tip. It wastes tubes if I have start all over because a given tube won't accept enough blood. Other than that issue, I like the ease of use of the machine itself and the fact that one can get readings for TC, TG, HDL, and LDL. It feels like a good quality machine, but I feel that collection tube needs to be improved. UPDATE I have been getting the hang of it. I squeeze my finger to get a big blood drop, collect that, then keep on repeating. I notice that when I tilt the collection tube upright that's when an air bubble can form so it's best to keep it level and only tilt slightly when putting the tube at the blood drop. Once an air bubble forms there is danger of a clot forming in the tube and then it's possible that the blood gets sticky in the tube and won't come out. I wish we could by extra tubes for when mistakes happen.

The initial product included material for 5 tests. The first test I used seemed very accurate based on my last lab test with my doctor. The next time I tried to test, it gave me an error code, and I had to use another test strip. It gave me extremely high LDL results and low Triglycerides (LDL about 40 points higher than it was 3 weeks prior) Tested again 3 weeks later, and again it gave me an error code and I needed to use another test strip. So I used my last test strip included in my test kit and I again got an error code. I'm reading instructions and following them closely. This was a total waste of money. For $169 I got one test that was reasonably accurate but this purchase has proven to be useless for me.

01/14/2021 Did my first reading yesterday and it was spot on to my Quest Diagnostics reading the previous day (wanted to compare prior to starting at home testing). DESPITE taking the time to read the instructions twice . . . and then putting them into play . . . I still did it wrong. You must insert the tester first, close the door, wait for it to tell you to open the door and then add sample. I did call customer service and they were exceedingly helpful. Such a breathe of fresh air when a company actually wants to help you use its product. Update in about 2 weeks! --------------- 01/21/2021 Update: Still going well. I have used this 3 times now in a week. You MUST FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS IMPLICITLY! If you don't put in enough blood - it won't work. If you put in too much blood - it won't work. If you add blood sample before the reader gives you the indication it is ready - it won't work. - Insert batteries and cartridge in reader. - Go through instructions to set time/date, etc. Not difficult. - Clap your hands, shake your hands - to get your blood flowing. - Alcohol your intended lance location. - Lance your finger with the provided lancet and squeeze (pick a location that you can "squeeze" easily). - Use 2 fingers to completely depress the bulb on the collection tube . . . so you have enough suction to suction enough blood the 1st try. - Fill the tube with blood to the black line as instructed (if you don't have enough - it won't work and you will waste a test). - Put the tube of blood on the side for a minute (at an angle with opening facing up so it doesn't drip out) . . . band aid your lanced area. - Turn on the reader (that you just programmed with date/time, etc.) - Insert the sample collection "tray" - you must hear a "CLICK" to indicate it is in its proper place. You do not need to open the cover to insert this piece. If you don't hear a click - it won't work. - Wait for the reader to tell you to add the blood sample. - Once the reader tells you to add the blood sample - open the cover. - Add the proper amount of blood sample. - CLOSE the lid. You will see a "thinking" hourglass for just a second. Then the 3:00 minute timer starts. DO NOT MOVE IT. DO NOT OPEN THE COVER. JUST LET IT BE! After 3:00 minutes . . . you have all readings. Arrow through to see them (instructions indicate as much). Readings are clear and concise. --------------- 02/05/2021 Update: Had an appointment with Quest today (order from my doctor) for annual cholesterol readings. I immediately came home and while still fasting did a test. Will compare and post numbers when Quest results come back. Update on process: I was having issues with sucking the blood from my finger into the little tube. So . . . now I drip blood into a 1/4 teaspoon spoon. After I have 5 of 6 good drips, I THEN use the dropper to withdraw blood from the 1/4 teaspoon into the tube. You only have to depress the bulb once (to create the suction) and the blood flows up into the tube in one movement. No worry about "bubbles" in the tube from trying to suck blood up several times via several suction actions. ————————- Update: 2/22/2021 I now drip my blood into a 1/4 teaspoon and then use the tube to suction what I need. _________________ Updated: 03/12/2021 Me and this thing have a relationship now. Do a test every week. Works like a charm. YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO USE IT - DON'T JUST GUESS! IT'S ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS USER! Update: 06/19/2024 Years later and still going strong. Again - READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. I can do a test in less than 1 minute now.