Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost?
The price of HealthTab rapid tests vary by location. Please contact your nearest pharmacy provider to confirm availability and costs.
- Is it covered by my health care plan?
Currently, HealthTab is an elective health service paid for by the patient. We are working to have our tests included under provincial health plans and private insurance programs. In the meantime, you can still make use of this convenient, time saving tool and take some invaluable steps towards improving your health.
- Why is HealthTab located in pharmacies?
Pharmacies are easily accessible in our communities and offer a growing number of health-related services. Your local pharmacist can review your medication and supplements, help you quit smoking, take your blood pressure, advise you in healthy lifestyle habits, and even administer flu shots. We think it makes a lot of sense for them to also provide you with a more convenient way to measure the numbers you need to know to live a longer, and healthier life.
- Can I still share my HealthTab with my doctor?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it. You can print or save your HealthTab as a PDF and share any questions or concerns with your doctor. Once your doctor has outlined a course of action, you can monitor your HealthTab with the help of your pharmacist and other health experts to track your progress. This makes for a highly efficient, team-based approach to your health. And the best part is: you’re the captain.
- How accurate are my results?
HealthTab’s network of connected point-of-care devices deliver consistent results you can trust. Each pharmacy also participates in EQA (External Quality Assessment) provided by CEQAL, a world-leader in quality control, to further ensure the accuracy of every test.
- One of my results was red. What should I do?!
Think of it as a check engine light, a signal that you should follow up with your doctor to investigate further. HealthTab uses the concept of risk ranges to help you interpret your results. Low risk is generally considered ‘normal’ and is represented by the color green. An orange or red value means a particular result was outside of the reference range established by the instrument manufacturer or the cut points set by clinical guidelines. Learn more
- I hate needles. Will it hurt?
The collection process is quick, sterile, and doesn’t involve needles. The blood tests require just a few small drops from a simple finger prick. The lancet is similar to what many diabetics use regularly to check their glucose at home. It’s very low on the pain scale.
- How long will it take to get my results?
The process is quick and convenient. Simply log in from the in-store tablet, choose your test and provide a sample. You’ll receive an email notification in less than 10 minutes when your results are ready. You can review them on the spot with your pharmacist or anytime you like at healthtab.com
- How often should I get a HealthTab?
It all depends on your current health and goals. For general screening, a yearly check is recommended. If you have specific targets for A1c and cholesterol, testing every 3 to 6 months provides more data for tracking progress. Whereas testing for infections, like Strep or COVID-19, can be done any time symptoms appear or to help confirm your health status for work or travel.
- I’m exercising now and eating my veggies. How long before I see changes?
A healthy lifestyle can go a long way to helping you reach your weight goals, lower your blood pressure, and improve your HealthTab numbers. In fact, it’s possible to see a measurable difference in your results in as little as six weeks. Remember to always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program or making any significant changes to your lifestyle.
- Do I need to fast before my finger prick blood test?
The short answer is: no. Before running a panel, you must indicate whether you’ve had anything to eat or drink (other than water) in the past 8 -12 hours. If you have, it is considered a ‘non-fasting’ or ‘random’ test and your results are interpreted accordingly. The health markers most affected by food and drink are your blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL. For diagnostic purposes, doctors will generally request fasting results for these tests. But for general health screening a non-fasting test can still provide some worthwhile insight into your body’s metabolism and cholesterol levels.
- How old do I need to be to use HealthTab?
You must be 16 years of age or older to use HealthTab.
- How do I get started?
Create an account to preview your dashboard and start tracking your blood pressure and BMI. To run your first panel, visit a HealthTab location.
- What if I still have questions?
Send us a message and we will be happy to answer.