How To Guide

A new way of measuring cholesterol at home.

We have launched a new way of measuring cholesterol levels at-home using a fingerprick sample of blood and your smartphone. Our general terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.pocdoc.co/privacy-policy/

What is the PocDoc Healthy Heart Check?

The PocDoc Healthy Heart Check includes the PocDoc Lipid Test, which is a rapid 7-minute test that measures blood cholesterol levels. The steps in the testing process will involve you:

Downloading a mobile application called PocDoc which takes you through the testing process step-by-step
Pricking your finger with a lancet (a device that automatically inserts a very small needle into your finger to produce a small pinprick of blood)
Transferring the pinprick of blood to a lateral flow device using a plastic transfer pipette
The PocDoc application then times the reaction and guides you to take a picture on your phone when 7 minutes has elapsed
PocDoc calculates the result (the levels of cholesterol) in your blood and displays these within the PocDoc app

Following the test you will asked to complete a short questionnaire from within the PocDoc app. This is part of our partnership with the NHS to determine how useful this kind of rapid test is for people at home; and whether it is preferable to an in-surgery appointment.

After the test, you may have a small bruise where the needle went in. Bruises can be painful, but are usually harmless and fade over the next few days.

What is the purpose of this initiative?

Some people should have their cholesterol levels measured each year. However, currently many don’t. We are hoping that this new way of measuring cholesterol levels at home will enable more people to test their blood cholesterol.

Who is organising and funding this initiative?

This initiative is being sponsored by the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) and the Systems Transformative Fund (STF) and is a collaboration between the NHS and PocDoc (Vital Signs Solutions Ltd).

How will we use information about you?

The PocDoc lipid test results will be handled in accordance with PocDoc’s privacy policy: https://www.pocdoc.co/privacy-policy/

What are your choices about how your information is used?

Your choices about how your information is used is detailed in PocDoc’s privacy policy: https://www.pocdoc.co/privacy-policy/

Where can you find out more about how your information is used?

In addition to the privacy policy, Vital Signs Solutions Data Protection Officer can also be contacted directly at the following email: Emma.cooper35@nhs.net

Will I know the outcome of the initiative?

The outcome of the project to increase lipid testing will be done using anonymised data from all participants and will be published by the company on the company website and in a peer-reviewed journal.

Who has approved this initiative?

All research in the NHS is looked at by an independent group of people, called a Research Ethics Committee, to protect participants’ interests. This study has been reviewed and given favourable opinion by London Central Research Ethics Committee.

Do you have any questions?

You may have questions about the PocDoc product, how your personal information is handled and the trial itself (including concerns or complaints). If so, you can contact us on support@mypocdoc.com.