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.