Here at Test2Go, we offer an at-home cholesterol test for people who want to check their cholesterol levels without needing to visit a doctor’s office. However, it is advised that you seek medical help if you receive positive results.
What is cholesterol?
Heart UK (the Cholesterol charity) defines cholesterol as “a fatty substance made in the liver. It is found in some foods too.”
They go on to say, “We all need some cholesterol in our bodies just to keep us ticking over, but having too much can clog up your arteries and lead to health problems in the future.”
Cholesterol helps the body by:
- producing hormones
- producing bile acids to help the body absorb nutrients and digest fat
- generating vitamin c
What are the two types of cholesterol?
There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL is also known as “bad cholesterol”, as if a person has high levels of LDL cholesterol, it can cause their blood vessels to narrow, preventing blood from flowing increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
HDL, or “good cholesterol”, collects LDL from the arteries and carries it back to the liver so that the body can remove it.
What is an at-home cholesterol test?
Using an at-home cholesterol test is a convenient way for people to test their cholesterol levels without making an appointment with their doctor.
With Test2Go’s self-collection test, you should prick your finger with the enclosed single-use lancet and apply one drop of blood to the test area of the test card.
After no more than three minutes, you can check the colour of the test area against the comparative colour chart enclosed and read your result.
When should I perform the cholesterol level test?
The cholesterol level test should be carried out on an empty stomach, and you should not have had anything to eat or drink for 12 hours before the test for best results.
You should take the cholesterol level test first thing in the morning for more accurate results.
The NHS guide to cholesterol levels is as follows:
What if I get a positive result?
If you receive a positive cholesterol test result, you should consult your doctor to help you interpret the results and suggest the most suitable treatment plan.
Anyone who wants to check their cholesterol levels can purchase an at-home test kit from Test2Go. Our kit comes with all the equipment and instructions you need to get a reliable estimate of whether your overall cholesterol level is within normal limits.
Our test is for advisory purposes only. It is not a medical diagnosis.
NB. It is important to note that our tests are not a substitute for seeing a doctor, particularly if you have symptoms. It would help if you did not make a diagnosis or start any treatment without a consultation with a doctor or a suitably trained health professional.
References
- NHS – Cholesterol levels (high cholesterol)
- Heart UK – Cholesterol
- British Heart Foundation – High cholesterol
