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It is widely known that variance between labs can occur for any marker. We always encourage sharing the results of your test with your health care provider. With laboratory-based tests, people receive their at-home test kit with all the tools they need, such as alcohol swabs, collection tubes, and pre-addressed envelopes. 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.
Testing your cholesterol is a quick, easy, and important way to evaluate your risk of developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. While getting tested at your doctor’s office is the most reliable option, you can also use at-home tests that require only a small blood sample and a few minutes of waiting. Healthy cholesterol levels are a key component of cardiovascular wellness. 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. To determine your cardiovascular risk, your doctor will consider your cholesterol test results in context with your age, sex and family history.
How To Lower Cholesterol Naturally And Fast
Know that FDA-approved tests differ from FDA-cleared or FDA-registered tests. Tests in the latter group have not been evaluated for efficacy or safety based on their intended use. Rather, they are either substantially similar to an approved device or are not subject to premarket review . If you decide to use a mail-in service, opt for labs that are part of the Cholesterol Reference Method Laboratory Network certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . You can also check online to see if the lab is on the CDC-certified list.
It is vital for people to follow all directions provided with the test kit to get the most accurate results. According to the American Heart Association, adults over the age of 20 should check their cholesterol about every 4–6 years if they have low-risk factors. This article examines why people should measure cholesterol, the home testing process, accuracy, and what the results may mean. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. Using an at home test kit incorrectly can give you incorrect results.
Cholesterol testing at home: It may be faster, but is it better?
They’re less expensive than multi-use digital testers, usually costing $20-$50 USD, and are reasonably accurate when used correctly. However, they generally don’t break down the different aspects of your cholesterol reading. Remember, even if you have high cholesterol, it doesn’t need to stay that way.
A direct LDL test avoids the need for calculation by measuring LDL specifically. Laboratory testing is considered to be standard and is what doctors rely on to make medical decisions. That said, at-home and point-of-care tests are convenient and may help with ongoing monitoring of cholesterol. New technologies have made point-of-care and at-home tests more widely available. When their instructions are correctly followed, these tests have nearly the same accuracy as laboratory tests.
Preparation For A Cholesterol Test
Read on for more information about other treatment options for high cholesterol. A doctor can recommend lifestyle changes and medications to help manage and lower high cholesterol. If you are having a hard time choosing between the available kits at your pharmacy, talk to your pharmacist about which one is most appropriate for you. They may be able to answer any questions you have and will likely have insight into which kit is the most popular.
Your GP might suggest having a test if they think your cholesterol level could be high. Cholesterol tests with meters — offers digital results that are similar to what you get from a blood glucose meter. An at-home cholesterol test is a convenient and effective way to check your cholesterol. If someone in your family has high cholesterol or takes medicine to control cholesterol, you might need to get tested more often. If you are unsure about which cholesterol home test kit to purchase, the FDA has set up the Over-The-Counter Database.
Stay On Top Of Your Health With These At
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Evaluate your test results based on a reliable cholesterol chart.
At-home self-tests and self-collection tests rely on a smaller amount of blood obtained with a fingerstick. By checking your numbers, youâll know if itâs time to take steps to help lower your risk of a more serious health problem. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research.
Your heart rate naturally changes throughout the day, depending on how much you’re exerting yourself. During moments of high stress or intense physical exertion, for example, your heart beats faster. Dr Harshi Dhingra is a licensed medical doctor with a specialization in Pathology. An at-home cholesterol test allows you to closely monitor your levels at home. It can help you determine if your lifestyle changes are lowering your cholesterol. High-density lipoproteins — the 'good' cholesterol that carries 'bad' cholesterol from different parts of your body to the liver.
High levels of triglycerides also raise your stroke risk. It takes only a few minutes and is relatively painless. 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.
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. If you just want to test your cholesterol out of curiosity or only occasionally, this may be the right option for you. If you plan to test your cholesterol more frequently—due, for example, to your doctor’s recommendation—a digital readout tester may be a better choice.
If additional blood tests are needed, all the samples are usually taken at once. You can purchase a cholesterol home test kit at your local pharmacy or medical supply store. The standard cholesterol home test kit contains a lancet for drawing blood and test strips. Non-HDL cholesterol is a quick way of measuring the bad cholesterol in a person's body. The package also includes cholesterol strips, lancets, a manual, batteries, and an EziTube blood applicator.
Checking your blood pressure often will help you know whatâs normal for you and catch any problem sooner. At-home tests cannot provide the information needed to assess your cardiovascular risk or decide when treatment is needed. If you get inconsistent results, see your doctor, who can check the values of your device or kit against an in-office (point-of-care) test. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. According to the FDA, at-home tests for cholesterol vary in accuracy from brand to brand.
With sampling kits, you take a small blood sample at home which you post to a laboratory for testing, and you receive your results later. The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked. Your health care team can do a simple blood test, called a lipid profile, to measure your cholesterol levels.
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