More than 70 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol, and more than 60% of these adults don’t have their condition under control. Treatment and management of high cholesterol is essential to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. But the first step in managing the condition is diagnosing it, which can’t be done without a blood test.
Because high cholesterol doesn’t usually cause symptoms, testing is critical to identify whether you have the condition. You can get tested through your provider, and several at-home cholesterol tests are also available.
In this article, I’ll explain how at-home cholesterol tests work and the benefits and drawbacks of this testing option.
What Is a Cholesterol Test?
A cholesterol test is a simple blood test used to screen for high cholesterol levels. When administered through your provider, this test may be referred to as a lipid panel. Cholesterol tests administered through your provider measure your total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride (a kind of fat found in the blood) levels.
Some at-home tests only measure total cholesterol levels, but others capture all four measurements. If you choose to test at home, search for a test that measures your total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels as well as your triglyceride levels.
In some cases, you may be asked to fast for 9-12 hours before taking a cholesterol test. For this reason, many people prefer to take their cholesterol tests first thing in the morning.
How Do At-Home Cholesterol Tests Work?
There are typically two types of at-home cholesterol tests: tests that use test strips and a lancet and tests that use an electronic meter.
To use a test kit that comes with test strips and a lancet (also known as a small blade or needle), you prick your finger with the lancet to draw a small sample of blood. The blood is placed on the test strip, which then changes colors after a few minutes. You then use the guide that comes with the test kit to interpret your results and determine your cholesterol levels.
Tests with an electronic meter work similarly, but rather than interpreting your results manually, you insert the test strips into the meter to be interpreted electronically. These tests are generally more expensive.
You may also find at-home cholesterol tests in which you mail your results into a laboratory for testing.
Regardless of which type of test you choose, follow the instructions carefully in order to get the most accurate results possible.
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