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How To Measure Cholesterol At Home

What Are The Drawbacks

How to measure your total cholesterol level

While home test kits offer several benefits, they also have shortcomings.

  • Limited measurements. Many kits only measure your overall cholesterol levels. This is not enough information to assess your heart health. You can have a normal total cholesterol level, but still have high LDL or bad cholesterol. To get a clear assessment of your heart health, look for a kit that tests LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels.

  • Hard to read. If you dont use a kit with an electronic meter, you may have trouble reading the color on the test strip. This will make it more difficult to interpret your test results.

  • Lack of medical evaluation. Home health kits cannot replace your healthcare providers insights. Only your physician can consider factors such as your weight, diet, exercise, blood pressure, and whether or not you smoke. This will help your doctor determine the best treatment options for you if your cholesterol is high.

When To Get Tested

Screening: as part of a regular health exam with a lipid profile when no risk factors for heart disease are present adults should be tested once every four to six years children, teens, and young adults should be tested once between the ages of 9 and 11 and then again between the ages of 17 and 21.

Monitoring: may be done more frequently and at regular intervals when risk factors for heart disease are present, when prior results showed high risk levels, and/or when undergoing treatment for unhealthy lipid levels

Mylab Box At Home Cholesterol And Lipids Test

myLAB Box offers a finger prick collection method. This FDA-registered entity states that it works with CAP and CLIA-certified labs.

The company offers free 2-day shipping on home kits. Once people collect their blood samples, they should receive their results within 25 days.

myLAB Box states that people do not need to fast or adjust their diet before collecting their samples. It recommends that people still take any prescription medication until they discuss the test results with a doctor.

A person may also book a consultation with a myLAB Box physician if they receive a positive result.

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How Is A Cholesterol Test Performed

To check your cholesterol levels, your doctor will need to get a sample of your blood. You will probably have your blood drawn in the morning, sometimes after fasting since the night before.

A blood test is an outpatient procedure. It takes only a few minutes and is relatively painless. Its usually performed at a diagnostic lab. In some cases, it can also be performed during a regular doctor visit, at a local pharmacy, or even at home. Walk-in clinic rates can cost anywhere from $50 to $100. Cholesterol testing at a local pharmacy can cost $5 to $25. An at-home test can cost anywhere from $15 to $25, while tests that need to be shipped to a lab can average $75 to $200.

There are very few risks associated with having your blood drawn for a cholesterol test. You may feel slightly faint or have some soreness or pain at the site where your blood was drawn. Theres also a very slight risk of infection at the puncture site.

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. Ideal results for most adults are:

  • LDL: 70 to 130 mg/dL
  • HDL: more than 40 to 60 mg/dL
  • total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
  • triglycerides: 10 to 150 mg/dL

What Are The Benefits

CHOLESTEROL Home Tests/Testing/Test Kits

Home cholesterol test kits provide a fast and easy way to measure your cholesterol from the convenience of home. The Food and Drug Administration says the home kits can be as accurate as the tests your healthcare provider uses. However, accuracy varies from one brand to another.

While some healthcare providers no longer ask patients to fast for 8 hours or more before a cholesterol test, many still require it. Depending on the kit, you may not have to fast at all.

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Are Cholesterol Home Test Kits Regulated By The Fda

The FDA does regulate certain cholesterol home test kits. There are home test kits for HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, too. However, not all cholesterol home test kits you can buy meet the FDA’s stringent guidelines.

If you are unsure about which cholesterol home test kit to purchase, the FDA has set up the Over-The-Counter Database. You can find it on the FDA’s website. This database is an excellent resource to search for FDA-cleared cholesterol home test kits. You can also use it to find other types of home test kits.

Why Is It Important To Monitor High Cholesterol

Increased levels of cholesterol can over time lead to heart disease so it is important to be aware of your cholesterol level. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can generally help to maintain your cholesterol within the normal range although some patients are prone to higher cholesterol levels. Taking a cholesterol test will identify if your cholesterol level is within the normal range.

In cases where we identify a higher than expected cholesterol level we will provide you with expert advice, product, diet and lifestyle recommendations and when required a referral letter with your results for you to discuss with your GP.

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Due to Covid-19 restrictions we are operating at reduced capacity for pharmacy services. Please contact the store directly for more information.

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What Is A Cholesterol Home Test Kit

Monitor Cholesterol Level at Home |Curo L7 Instructional Video

The cholesterol home test kit is a convenient and effective way to test your cholesterol level. It allows you to monitor your cholesterol without having to go to a doctor’s office. And, rather than waiting days or weeks for cholesterol test results, the cholesterol test kit can give you results in a matter of minutes.

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Questions For Your Doctor After At

After you have taken an at-home cholesterol test, you can review your results with your doctor and raise some of the following questions:

  • What are my target levels for different kinds of cholesterol?
  • Were any of my cholesterol levels abnormal?
  • How do the levels on my at-home test compare to any prior cholesterol tests in my health record?
  • Do you recommend any further cholesterol testing? If so, what tests should I take and how often should I take them?
  • Should I consider any treatments or lifestyle changes related to my cardiovascular health?

Easily Discover Your Personal Levels Of Total Cholesterol Hdl Calculated Ldl And Triglycerides

Your results will contain your personal levels of Total Cholesterol, HDL, Calculated LDL, and Triglycerides and whether they fall within a low, normal, or high range. It is widely known that variance between labs can occur for any marker. This happens for either dried blood spot or serum samples, and we have ensured that the variation seen is within acceptable ranges according to widely accepted and regulated lab standards. We always encourage sharing the results of your test with your health care provider.

Everlywell can provide suggestions to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. As always, we encourage you to share your results with your doctor, who can provide more specific guidance on lifestyle changes.

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What Do The Results Mean

Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. The information below shows how the different types of cholesterol measurements are categorized.

Total Cholesterol Level
Less than 40 mg/dL A major risk factor for heart disease

A healthy cholesterol range for you may depend on your age, family history, lifestyle, and other risk factors. In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health. High levels of triglycerides may also put you at risk for heart disease.

The LDL on your results may say “calculated” which means it includes a calculation of total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Your LDL level may also be measured “directly,” without using other measurements. Regardless, you want your LDL number to be low.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Stay On Top Of Your Health With These At

How to Calculate Cholesterol Ratio.

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Healthy cholesterol levels are a key component of cardiovascular wellness. The American Heart Association recommends getting tested every four to six years beginning at age 20a blood lipid panel includes your total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein , low-density lipoprotein , and triglycerides. If you have cardiovascular disease or elevated risk, you may need more frequent testing. After age 40, your doctor would recommend testing based on your calculated risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

These regular check-ins can guide your doctor’s assessment of whether you need to make lifestyle adjustments or take medication to keep your blood cholesterol within a healthy range.

At-home testing kits can be handy for people diagnosed with high cholesterol who may want to test their blood more frequently.

While home cholesterol testing should not be used as a replacement for the comprehensive diagnostics provided by your physician, it can be an addition to a proactive health regimen.

Here are the best at-home cholesterol test kits that you can use in-between visits with your doctor.

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Benefits And Downsides Of At

It is important to consider the possible pros and cons of at-home cholesterol testing to determine if it is the right choice for you.

Some of the main benefits of at-home cholesterol tests include:

  • Convenience: At-home cholesterol testing allows you to take the test according to your own schedule and without having to make an appointment or go to a medical office or laboratory.
  • Fingerstick blood sample: The blood sample for at-home tests comes from pricking your fingertip with a tiny needle instead of a typical blood draw that takes a sample from a vein in your arm.
  • Supplementing doctor-ordered testing: At-home testing may be useful for people who want to check their cholesterol in the time between tests ordered by their physician.
  • Transparent pricing: For most at-home cholesterol tests, the total price is clearly displayed and prepaid at the outset.
  • Several test options: Because multiple types of at-home tests are available, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and budget.

Some of the potential drawbacks of at-home cholesterol testing include:

Seeking Medical Advice And Care

  • 1 At-home tests can help you determine if your cholesterol is high, but they cant provide you with personalized medical advice like your doctor. If your test results are outside of the healthy range, definitely call your doctor. They will most likely want you to come to the office to do another cholesterol test.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • Even if your test results are in the healthy range, consider calling your doctors office and sharing your results. Its never a bad idea to let a professional interpret your results!
  • 2Take a follow-up test at your doctors office if they advise it. The in-office test may involve a finger prick like your at-home test, but its more likely that a blood sample will be collected from your arm with a needle. The lab will test this sample in more detail than your at-home test and give your doctor a more accurate and expansive view of your blood cholesterol levels.XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source
  • You may need to fast for up to 12 hours before your in-office test. Confirm this with the office beforehand. If this is the case, schedule your test in the morning so you can do most of your fasting time while youre asleep!
  • Eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and fewer foods containing added sugars and unhealthy fats.
  • Quitting smoking and cutting back on your alcohol intake.
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    Are Results From A Cholesterol Home Test Kit Reliable

    The reliability of cholesterol home tests varies, and the results can fluctuate. It depends on the maker of the kits. Many cholesterol home test kits advertise that they are greater than 95% accurate. Still, these cholesterol results should be considered approximations and should not take the place of a cholesterol test conducted by your health care provider.

    In addition, even if you consistently get normal results from your cholesterol home kit test strips, it’s very important to consult with your health care provider. To determine your risk of heart disease, your health care provider will evaluate your cholesterol level along with other factors such as your weight, physical exam results, medical history, and family history. Your health care provider may conduct other tests aside from the cholesterol screening.

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    What Does It Mean If I Have High Cholesterol

    A high cholesterol level can mean that you face a higher risk of plaque buildup, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain kinds of lipid disorders. This isnât always the case, though, since high levels of HDL can contribute to a high total cholesterol level. So itâs best to talk with your healthcare provider to understand what high cholesterol may mean for your health. Routinely taking cholesterol tests and reviewing your cholesterol numbers with your healthcare provider may help you better understand if you are at a greater cardiovascular risk.

    Type Of Cholesterol Measured:

    All at-home cholesterol test kits measure total cholesterol, and the more advanced options provide HDL and triglycerides readings as well. Only one of the FDA-approved cholesterol test kits also measures LDL. Pay close attention to what each test measures if youre in need of a more comprehensive analysis, and expect higher price tags on the tests that provide more measurements.

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    Preparation For A Cholesterol Test

    In some cases, your doctor may ask you to fast before having your cholesterol levels tested. If youre only getting your HDL and total cholesterol levels checked, you may be able to eat beforehand. However, if youre having a complete lipid profile done, you should avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for nine to 12 hours before your test.

    Before your test, you should also tell your doctor about:

    • any symptoms or health problems youre experiencing
    • your family history of heart health
    • all medications and supplements that youre currently taking

    If youre taking medications that could increase your cholesterol levels, such as birth control pills, your doctor may ask you to stop taking them a few days before your test.

    What Does The Test Result Mean

    LIPID PROFILE TEST

    In general, healthy lipid levels help to maintain a healthy heart and lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. A healthcare practitioner will take into consideration total cholesterol results and the other components of a lipid profile as well as other risk factors to help determine a person’s overall risk of heart disease, whether treatment is necessary and, if so, which treatment will best help to lower the person’s risk.

    In 2002, the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III provided the guidelines for evaluating lipid levels and determining treatment. However, in 2013, the ACC and AHA issued guidelines for adults that made recommendations on who should receive cholesterol-lowing therapy. .

    However, use of the updated guidelines remains controversial. Many still use the older guidelines from the NCEP ATP III to evaluate lipid levels and cardiovascular disease risk:

    For adults, in a routine setting where testing is done to screen for risk, the test results are grouped in three categories of risk:

    For children and adolescents:

    • A cholesterol below 170 mg/dL is acceptable.
    • A result of 170-199 mg/dL is borderline.
    • A total cholesterol reading greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL is considered high.

    For young adults:

    • A cholesterol below 190 mg/dL is acceptable.
    • A result of 190-224 mg/dL is borderline.
    • A total cholesterol greater than or equal to 225 mg/dL is considered high.

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    What’s Included In A Cholesterol Test

    A cholesterol test, sometimes called a lipid profile, will measure a range of different types of fats in your blood:

    • HDL cholesterol
    • Total cholesterol HDL + LDL + triglycerides
    • Cholesterol ratio total cholesterol/HDL

    Your sample will be analysed by a CQC-registered and UKAS accredited lab. This finger-prick test and kit are CE-marked.

    Which Home Cholesterol Kit Is Best

    An online search for the best home cholesterol kits will yield lists from a variety of sources like Best Reviews, All Top Guide, and VeryWell Fit. Heres a look at 3 top-ranking kits.

  • CardioChek offers starter kits as well as deluxe models. A starter kit comes with an electronic analyzer and 3 total cholesterol test strips, 3 HDL test strips, 3 triglyceride test strips, and 9 lancets. It sells for just over $140 on .

  • Solana Healths Best Home Cholesterol Test measures LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. It includes everything you need, plus a postage-paid return envelope which is sent to a lab. The kit sells for about $46 on Solana Healths website.

  • Everlywell manufactures an entire line of at-home health tests from thyroid to food sensitivity. The companys cholesterol test measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, and includes a pre-paid shipping label and envelope. For $49 on Everlywells website, you get the kit plus a follow-up report with insights to your heart health and next steps.

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