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At-home cholesterol tests may benefit those who cannot visit a healthcare facility easily. We discuss six of the best cholesterol tests available to buy online.
Manufacturers typically state that their tests are almost as accurate as those available at doctors’ offices and health clinics. The FDA backs this up, stating that at-home cholesterol tests are as accurate as those a healthcare professional may administer. However, at-home tests increase the risk of user error as people may not be used to taking samples for health tests. This may affect the accuracy of results.
Additionally, a 2021 study of five cholesterol self-tests found that, although some cholesterol meters provided reasonably accurate results, several of the at-home cholesterol test kits in the study were inaccurate. The study’s authors called for more standardization and regulation to ensure better quality at-home tests.
People using at-home cholesterol tests need to discuss their results with a doctor and opt for in-person testing if they find their self-test has produced inaccurate results. Individuals should not make health decisions according to the results of an at-home test without discussing them with a doctor first.
Below are some at-home cholesterol tests a person can purchase online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
The table below compares the tests in this article. All tests use a finger-prick sample collection.
A person can ask a doctor to help choose an appropriate at-home cholesterol test kit. However, they may also wish to consider the following:
Laboratories: A person should check whether or not a company works with CLIA-certified laboratories. This indicates that they hold federal certifications and meet quality laboratory testing standards.
Consultations: Many brands offer doctor’s consultations for people who wish to discuss their cholesterol test results. However, these may only be available to those receiving positive cholesterol test results.
Design: Some devices are small, lightweight, and portable. These may suit individuals who travel regularly or need to test outside their homes. Some test kits also come with a travel case.
Guide: Choosing a device with a user guide explaining how individuals should use the test kit is best. Some brands, such as LetsGetChecked, also provide instructional videos online.
Subscriptions: At-home cholesterol test kits come with a one-time price, but some companies offer subscription plans for people who need to check their cholesterol levels regularly.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that travels through the bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins. It helps the body by:
generating vitamin D
producing bile acids that help the body absorb nutrients and digest fat
producing hormones
The body produces cholesterol naturally. However, cholesterol is also present in some foods, including:
processed meats
full fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
seafood, such as octopus and prawn
There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Cholesterol tests also measure triglycerides, which are a form of fat in certain foods.
LDL
LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” makes up most of the body’s cholesterol.
When a person has high LDL levels, the cholesterol builds up in their blood vessels, causing them to narrow. This prevents blood from flowing, which, in turn, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
High LDL levels have links to:
Learn more about high cholesterol here.
HDL
HDL, or “good cholesterol,” collects the bad cholesterol from the arteries and carries it back to the liver so that the body can get rid of it.
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that HDL may protect people from heart attack and stroke by preventing excess cholesterol from entering the arteries.
Triglycerides
A lipid profile also measures triglycerides. These are common types of fats that people get from foods such as butter and oils. The body changes these calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. It then releases them when it needs energy.
According to the AHA, people with high triglyceride and LDL levels may also have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
At-home cholesterol tests usually involve a person collecting a finger-prick blood sample. They can do so by following these steps:
Wash hands thoroughly. Using an alcohol wipe, clean one of the fingers and leave it to dry.
Remove the cap from the lancet and press it firmly into the clean fingertip to activate the needle. In some cases, there may be a button on the side of the lancet to activate it instead.
Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue. Then, hold the finger over the tube and use a massage motion from the base to the fingertip to encourage blood flow into the tube. Fill the tube to the required amount.
Bandage the finger, replace the safety cap on the lancet, and seal the tube.
Follow the provided instructions to return the sample to the laboratory.
When to test
According to the CDC, healthy adults should undergo a cholesterol test every 4–6 years.
However, doctors may recommend more frequent cholesterol screenings for people with:
a family history of heart attack and high cholesterol
diabetes
obesity
hypertension
The CDC states that cholesterol levels should be as follows:
Total cholesterol levels should be under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
LDL cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dL.
HDL cholesterol should be greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL.
Triglyceride levels should be under 150 mg/dL.
People who receive a positive cholesterol test result should consider seeking medical advice. A doctor can help a person interpret their results and suggest the most suitable treatment plan.
Doctors may recommend specific home care strategies, such as exercise, reaching or maintaining a moderate weight, and following a balanced diet.
Also, a doctor may prescribe medications like statins to help lower cholesterol levels.
Learn more about how to lower high cholesterol with lifestyle changes.
Below are answers to common questions about testing cholesterol at home.
How can I lower my cholesterol in 30 days?
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), people looking to lower their cholesterol can try eating fewer foods containing saturated fat, exercising more, reducing their alcohol intake, and stopping smoking, if applicable.
Learn more about how to lower cholesterol.
What are the five signs of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol may not always cause symptoms. However, very high cholesterol can cause fatty bumps on the skin called xanthomas and gray-white rings around the cornea.
Learn more about the symptoms of high cholesterol.
How can you tell if a person has high cholesterol without a blood test?
High cholesterol does not cause any symptoms. A blood test is the only way a person can find out if they have high cholesterol.
However, risk factors include having overweight, not exercising regularly, eating fatty foods, drinking alcohol, and smoking. High cholesterol may also have a genetic component and run in families.
What to eat the night before a cholesterol test
A healthcare professional or home test manufacturers should provide instructions on whether a person needs to fast or if they can eat and drink as they typically would before taking a cholesterol test.
If a person needs to fast, this usually means they can only drink water for a certain amount of time before the test.
Learn more about what to eat the night before a cholesterol test.
How long to fast before a cholesterol test
According to the AHA, a healthcare professional may advise a person to avoid eating, drinking most beverages, and taking medications for 9–12 hours before a cholesterol test.
However, not all cholesterol tests require fasting. A person should only fast if their doctor or the test manufacturer recommends it.
Learn more about fasting before a cholesterol test.
A person who wants to check their cholesterol levels can purchase an at-home test kit. These kits come with instructions and all the tools they need to collect their sample.
People may purchase an at-home test kit from FDA-regulated companies collaborating with CLIA-certified laboratories. This indicates that companies have established quality standards for laboratory testing.
People may seek guidance from a doctor if they have other health conditions or a family history of heart disease and high cholesterol. These individuals may need to check their cholesterol levels regularly.
