How to use an at home test for cholesterol
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Worried about your cholesterol levels? Want to find out where you stand? If you’d rather control the process yourself than go straight to the doctors, try using a home test for cholesterol.
Don’t worry if you’ve never used one before, we’ll cover everything involved in using cholesterol home test kits in our guide.
Why test your cholesterol?
There are so many different factors that can cause high cholesterol, the NHS states that it can be caused by:
- Eating lots of fatty foods
- Not exercising enough
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol1
Too much cholesterol can block your blood vessels, which can lead to serious heart problems or a stroke.
Thankfully, changing your diet and doing more exercise can lower your cholesterol levels if they are too high.
Signs of high cholesterol
Wondering what the symptoms of high cholesterol are? It’s important for us to point out that there aren’t many easy to spot symptoms of high cholesterol, the easiest way to find this out is by having a blood test.1
What’s in cholesterol test kits
Whether you’re just curious or think that your lifestyle may be having an impact, testing your cholesterol is a good place to start. And with cholesterol test kits, you won’t have to go through the painstaking process of getting an appointment at the doctors.
Wondering what the kits include? Generally, they contain:
- Lancet – to prick your finger
- Collection tube
- Pre-paid return envelope
- Sterile wipe
- Plaster
How to do an at home cholesterol finger-prick test
But how do they work? Find out some tips on taking a blood test for cholesterol at home below:2
1
Be sure to read the instructions carefully, and make sure your hands and environment are clean.
2
As well as being clean, ensure your hands and surroundings are dry as residual water may interfere with the results.
3
Prick your finger, then gently squeeze it to get the droplets into the container.
4
Safely dispose of any sharp tools then package as per the instruction leaflet.
5
Once you’ve posted your blood sample, your results will be processed by medical professionals before you receive your results.
A little more about cholesterol test kits
It’s important to know that at home cholesterol kits won’t give you the full picture. They’ll inform you about your cholesterol levels, but for a more detailed look, it’s best to book an appointment with your GP.
This is because they’ll be able to provide professional advice on the next steps for your health and wellness.
The final say
And that wraps up our guide to cholesterol home test kits, hopefully you’re feeling a little more clued up on what they are and how to use them.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Last updated: 6 January 2023
Retail Health Lead
MBA, MBSS, BSc in Medical Sciences with Management
Dr Anojan's main passion is to improve access to health and wellness – either through technology or by making information more accessible and easier to understand.
As well as his clinical background which was mostly in General and Orthopaedic Surgery, he has had roles in a wide range of industries: start up experience in health tech, ecommerce and a plant based restaurant, as well as an ops role in FMCG.
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