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However, higher levels of HDL in the blood actually provides some protection against “bad” cholesterol. We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) has been dubbed “good cholesterol” for a reason — it tackles bad cholesterol and helps remove it from your system. Lean fish, fruits and vegetables, and grains help raise HDL levels, which many medical professionals say should be 60 mg/dl or higher. It is also important to remember that at-home testing may not use the same methods for measuring cholesterol that are used in tests ordered by your doctor. As a result, you should talk to your doctor before comparing the results of an at-home test with results from prior cholesterol tests. The user interface of Everlywell’s online platform clearly displays your results alongside reference ranges.
How can you tell if your cholesterol is high without a test?
At-home tests should not be used in lieu of having your cholesterol checked by a doctor. People may seek guidance from a doctor if they have other health conditions or a family history of heart disease and high cholesterol. These people may need to check their cholesterol levels regularly. The CardioChek ST analyzer requires a separate purchase of test strips. The CardioChek ST analyzer MEMoChip is sold with the test strips and must be used according to each test strip used. The lower-cost CardioChek ST analyzer & any of 3 single-panel test strips to test total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides is perfect for the home user.
Some require sending a sample to a laboratory, and others analyze your blood on-site to provide rapid results. At-home tests may measure only the total amount of cholesterol or may determine total cholesterol along with levels of different kinds of cholesterol. Using at-home cholesterol tests is a convenient way for people to test their cholesterol levels without needing to make an appointment with a healthcare professional. This inexpensive home cholesterol test is the most basic and involves placing drops of blood on test strips.
Do I need follow-up tests?
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. The FDA also notes that at-home tests that say they are “traceable” to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may be more accurate than others. This reliable test is made by a top name in at-home testing and makes it possible to monitor your cholesterol from the comfort of your home. An FDA-approved 3-step cholesterol test that can be conducted within minutes. A. One of the best things you can do is add foods with fiber to your diet. You should also cut down on the volume of animal fats, sugar, and processed foods you consume.
Most cholesterol self-tests use a specialized test strip and a small device that can measure cholesterol levels. Some self-tests don’t use a device and instead use a test strip that changes color based on the amount of cholesterol in the blood. At the same time, you should not have an at-home cholesterol test if you have concerns or symptoms related to your health. In that case, you should talk with your doctor for specific guidance. Your doctor can also review the pros and cons of at-home cholesterol testing in your situation.
Meter tests
You don't have to draw a lot of blood to test, plus the results are fast. Cons Some users who have done the test repeatedly find the results vary greatly, sparking concerns about accuracy. The test kit from myLAB Box contains detailed instructions and all the materials you need to properly prepare your blood sample for analysis at a CLIA-certified laboratory. Home cholesterol tests that require a meter work similarly to blood glucose tests and provide a fast reading with a decent level of accuracy.
Some kits offer dual capabilities for also testing glucose levels . Different medical organizations have distinct guidelines for using cholesterol testing for the early detection of cardiovascular risk. This type of home cholesterol test kit involves mailing your blood samples to a lab, where they are read by trained lab technicians. Though you only get one test for your money, these are the most comprehensive and accurate of the bunch . On the other hand, you may have to wait several weeks for the results.
The LetsGetChecked Cholesterol Test is our pick for the best overall at-home test to check your lipid levels. This test combines all the main elements of a lipid panel with a quick turnaround time and an affordable price. The LetsGetChecked product is a self-collection test, which means you obtain a blood sample at home and send it to a lab for analysis. A doctor may order cholesterol testing to monitor the cardiovascular health of people who have had heart problems or abnormal cholesterol levels in the past. Periodically checking cholesterol levels can be used to assess changes to cardiovascular risk or an individual’s response to treatments meant to lower that risk. At-home cholesterol testing is a method of checking your blood cholesterol levels, which can offer information about your cardiovascular health.
However, a person must follow the instructions carefully to ensure that they collect a valid sample. After purchasing the home kit, a person can register it on the Everlywell website. There, they need to include their order’s identification number.
Results are provided online through a secure site and are usually available 2 to 5 days after the sample is received. While the LetsGetChecked site and smartphone app clearly display your levels, you can also consult with the company’s nursing support team if you have questions. The main purpose of at-home cholesterol tests is to gather information about the levels of cholesterol in your blood. Evidence is limited about what role, if any, at-home cholesterol testing can play in your health care. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is essential to normal functions of nearly all of the cells in the body. In the blood, though, the buildup of too much cholesterol can heighten the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke.
High fat levels in the blood can come from eating high-fat, high-sugar diets. When this happens, triglyceride levels go up and can contribute to heart disease. When a standard blood draw and cholesterol test is ordered by a doctor, some or all of the charges are often covered by insurance. In contrast, most at-home cholesterol tests are not covered, requiring you to pay the full cost out-of-pocket.
It is important to look closely at any at-home test to know exactly which cholesterol levels will be included in the test report. A person uses the lancet to prick a finger and get a small blood sample. The package also includes cholesterol strips, lancets, a manual, batteries, and an EziTube blood applicator. At-home sample collection that is then sent to a lab for cholesterol level analysis.
However, at-home tests should never be used instead of doctor-prescribed tests or instead of discussing symptoms or cardiovascular risk factors with a health professional. There are numerous types of cholesterol testing, and this can create confusion for people trying to understand what makes each test distinct. The following sections compare at-home and in-lab cholesterol tests and provide links to learn more about other related cholesterol tests. When properly performed, at-home cholesterol self-tests can be about as accurate as laboratory lab tests conducted with a blood draw. However, products that are poorly manufactured or that provide inadequate instructions may suffer from reductions in accuracy.
A. For the most accurate results, you should fast from nine to 12 hours before taking your blood to test your cholesterol. Following the instructions precisely will increase its accuracy. Keep in mind that you’ll have to prick your finger to get blood to perform home cholesterol testing. Although just a few drops are required, this may not be for the faint of heart.
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