A health monitoring and diagnostic device (LIFESTREAM
cholesterol meter) configured as a self-contained testing and diagnostic unit in a clam-shell type case. One side of the case includes a spring-loaded finger stick and a compartment for carrying one or more packages of disposable items including a test strip, a needle for the finger stick, and an
alcohol swipe. The other half of the case includes a test strip reader, a key pad, and a
liquid crystal display. The meter reads a test strip carrying a droplet of blood and receives additional
diagnostic information from the patient, such as age, gender, weight, and family history of
heart disease. Within minutes, the meter displays test results, including
total cholesterol levels. The meter also displays additional diagnostic results, such as the patient's “cardiac age,” recommended
weight loss, and a
cardiac risk assessment. The meter also works in connection with a network-based comprehensive health analysis and
reporting system. The meter writes
patient data to a smartcard. This
patient data typically includes
patient identification information, the test results, the
diagnostic information, and the diagnostic results. A computer
station reads the smartcard and establishes a
network connection with a health report
server over
the Internet. The computer then downloads the
patient data to the health report
server, which prepares a comprehensive health report. Within minutes, this report is transmitted back to the computer
station, where it is printed out and delivered to the patient.