In addition, fasting may be required in some cases for both kinds of tests. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. A digital tester is a good choice if, for instance, you need to keep an eye on your readings because you have a history of high cholesterol.
2011;5:76-84. doi:10.2174/1874192401105010076, Ronda G, Grispen JE, Ickenroth MH, Dinant GJ, De Vries NK, Van der Weijden T. The effects of a web-based decision aid on the intention to diagnostic self-testing for cholesterol and diabetes: a randomized controlled trial.
Cholesterol.
More information about the uses of cholesterol testing and when they may be recommended can be found in our guides to total cholesterol tests and lipid panel tests.
2005;16(2):112-117.
You can get a measurement of your cholesterol levels within minutes, and some test strips are analyzed in as few as 45 seconds. Accessed August 2, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/cholesterol, Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. Results are usually available within a few business days through a smartphone app or secure website. If you do have such a kit, definitely get instructions on how to use it properly from your pharmacist or physicianor buy a different kit! 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines [published correction appears in J Am Coll Cardiol.
Talk to your pharmacist if you need additional help. Your doctor can recommend a tailored screening schedule for your specific situation. Do you recommend any further cholesterol testing?
Most cholesterol self-tests use a specialized test strip and a small device that can measure cholesterol levels.
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Accessed August 2, 2021. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hdl-cholesterol-clinical-aspects-of-abnormal-values, Ross DS.
What are my target levels for different kinds of cholesterol? These could include more detailed cholesterol tests like a direct LDL-C test or other types of expanded lipid analysis. This article has been viewed 23,328 times.
You also have the opportunity to consult with a physician if you have any outstanding questions about the results of your test. While the LetsGetChecked site and smartphone app clearly display your levels, you can also consult with the companys nursing support team if you have questions.
Updated February 4, 2018.
wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Accessed August 2, 2021. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/how-to-get-your-cholesterol-tested, Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al.
Lipid abnormalities in thyroid disease. Doing this can throw off your results. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support.
An at-home kit with one of the fastest turnaround times for receiving results is the Cholesterol and Lipids Test from myLAB Box. BMC Public Health. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. In: Freeman MW, ed. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. A major benefit of the CardioChek Analyzer is that it provides rapid results. 
Accessed August 2, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_screening.htm, Chrostek L, Supronowicz L, Panasiuk A, Cylwik B, Gruszewska E, Flisiak R. The effect of the severity of liver cirrhosis on the level of lipids and lipoproteins. It is extremely unlikely that youll find a kit that uses lancets that arent pre-loaded into pens (if so, theyll look a little like sewing needles). LetsGetChecked Cholesterol Test, Price: $79 (Get 25% off with your exclusive Testing.com discount code. Updated October 18, 2019. In: Kyle RA, ed. When properly performed, at-home cholesterol self-tests can be about as accurate as laboratory lab tests conducted with a blood draw. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk markers. 
Cholesterol testing is common and generally dependable as part of cardiovascular risk assessment. Accessed August 2, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/metabolicsyndrome.html, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Did you know you can get answers researched by wikiHow Staff? UpToDate.
No matter your result, your best option is to share the information with your doctor. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. In a self-test, analysis of the blood sample happens at home, typically providing results within minutes.
Cholesterol tests should always be interpreted with your overall health in mind. Assessing a color-coded test strip too early or too late could give you an incorrect result. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website.
Date unknown. Kafonek SD, Donovan L, Lovejoy KL, Bachorik PS.
Results include total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides. Whether conducted in a laboratory or at home, cholesterol tests rely on a blood sample. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and/or triglycerides that are abnormally high are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Read more about our editorial policy and review process. For example, a deep crimson color might correspond to a cholesterol range of 180-200 mg/dl. Never re-use a lancet pen. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. You can consider getting an at-home test if you are curious about your blood cholesterol.
Your blood sample is analyzed within a few days after it arrives at a CLIA-certified lab.
If this is the case, schedule your test in the morning so you can do most of your fasting time while youre asleep! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. In: Freeman MW, ed. Benefits and Downsides of At-Home Cholesterol Testing, Interpreting At-Home Cholesterol Test Results, myLAB Box At Home Cholesterol and Lipids Test, National Library of Medicine: Cholesterol, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Heart-Healthy Living, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007290.htm, https://www.abim.org/Media/bfijryql/laboratory-reference-ranges.pdf, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/how-to-get-your-cholesterol-tested, https://arupconsult.com/content/cardiovascular-disease-traditional-risk-markers, https://www.cdc.gov/labstandards/crmln.html, https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_screening.htm, https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/lipid-disorders/dyslipidemia, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/dyslipidemia-in-children-definition-screening-and-diagnosis, https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/cholesterol, https://medlineplus.gov/hdlthegoodcholesterol.html, https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html, https://medlineplus.gov/metabolicsyndrome.html, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-cholesterol, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/laboratory-methods-for-analyzing-monoclonal-proteins, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-cholesterol-and-lipids-beyond-the-basics, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/measurement-of-blood-lipids-and-lipoproteins, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/lipoprotein-classification-metabolism-and-role-in-atherosclerosis, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hdl-cholesterol-clinical-aspects-of-abnormal-values, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/lipid-abnormalities-in-thyroid-disease, https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lipid-disorders-in-children-screening, https://www.uptodate.com/contents/screening-for-lipid-disorders-in-adults. LDL: less than 100 mg/dl. The main purpose of at-home cholesterol tests is to gather information about the levels of cholesterol in your blood. Our pick for the most affordable cholesterol test is the Cholesterol and Lipids Test from Everlywell. Youll feel a bit of pain when the lancet pricks your finger, but it will only last for a few seconds.
UpToDate. Accessed August 2, 2021. https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html, MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine.
When a standard blood draw and cholesterol test is ordered by a doctor, some or all of the charges are often covered by insurance. Fastest Results
This will ensure that you get the most accurate reading possible.
Test results are accessible online. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws.
Even if your test results are in the healthy range, consider calling your doctors office and sharing your results. The higher your mg/dl is, the more susceptible you are to developing blockages in your arteries.
They may be able to answer any questions you have and will likely have insight into which kit is the most popular. All testing is conducted in CLIA-certified laboratories that adhere to quality control standards.
Virtually all tests measure total cholesterol, but the other components can vary depending on the specific test that is being taken.
All of the test options require a blood sample that is taken by pricking your finger with a very small needle.
UpToDate.
A principal difference between these tests is how the blood sample is obtained. Its always best to discuss your results and any concerns with your doctor. A test may measure only total cholesterol or may include other levels like HDL-C, LDL-C, and/or triglycerides. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678, ARUP Consult.
As a result, you should talk to your doctor before comparing the results of an at-home test with results from prior cholesterol tests.
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