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In most cases, accuracy of at-home and in-lab tests is comparable. There are home cholesterol test kits available that have been U.S. FDA approved, but their accuracy is not necessarily as good as that of a certified laboratory. These tests usually measure total cholesterol only, but some also can measure HDL, LDL, and cholesterol. If you use one of the home kits, it is wise to discuss the results with your health-care professional.
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What Does A Cholesterol Test Measure
It also provides video demonstrations for people who may need help with using the SDBIO cholesterol kit. According to the CDC, people aged 20 years or older and who have a low risk of cardiovascular disease should undergo a cholesterol test every 5 years. According to the AHA, people with high triglyceride and LDL levels may also have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. If you are to abstain from food and drinks, learn how long to fast for cholesterol test kits.
Since most color-coded strip test kits only test for total cholesterol, your only point of comparison will probably be the recommended total cholesterol range. For the average healthy adult, the ideal range is between 125 to 200 mg/dl. However, your ideal range may be different, based on your particular circumstances. Wait the designated amount of time for the test strip to change colors. Color-coded strip kits usually take several minutes to produce results.
Our picks for the best at-home cholesterol tests
At-home tests can help you determine if your cholesterol is high, but they can’t provide you with personalized medical advice like your doctor. If your test results are outside of the healthy range, definitely call your doctor. They will most likely want you to come to the office to do another cholesterol test. Use clean hands to open an alcohol swab, test strip, and lancet. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.
However, if you have not been contacted in a short period of time, it is reasonable to contact your health care professional and ask for the test results. If youre taking medications that could increase your cholesterol levels, such as birth control pills, your doctor may ask you to stop taking them a few days before your test. Its easy to measure at home with no equipment and offers useful information about your heart and overall fitness. If symptoms are present, they are usually from a condition caused by high cholesterol.
How Do Home Cholesterol Tests Work
However, meter tests tend to be more expensive than strip-only tests—and depending on the meter’s technical aspects, it can also be more difficult to use at first. In addition, researchers have found that different cholesterol meters can vary in accuracy, so the precision of your results may differ depending on the meter available to you. By giving you a numerical reading, meter tests provide more objective results. Some cholesterol meters can also test for more than one cholesterol type. Compare the numbers on the meter to a chart to interpret your cholesterol levels.
However, risk factors include having overweight, not exercising regularly, eating fatty foods, and drinking and smoking. High cholesterol may also have a genetic component and run in families. To begin, simply register your kit with Everlywell.com.
Best personalized report
Keep in mind that these tests are limited in the information they provide. If you think that you may have high cholesterol, it is best not to depend solely on an at-home test. You need to get a fuller picture of your health from a qualified physician. If you’re sending your sample to a laboratory for analysis, you’ll fill a small vial with blood and mail it in a biohazard bag enclosed in a return envelope. This lightweight, battery-operated meter has a storage capacity for 500 readings.
You will likely need to take a small blood sample regardless of the test you choose, but modern testing kits make all of this quite easy. After the blood sample is taken, it’s analyzed in a laboratory, where the levels of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are measured. Out of the three at-home cholesterol kits, lab tests provide the most accurate results. They’re also capable of testing for more than just total cholesterol—they also test for HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels.
While the test is often as accurate as the test your health care provider uses, this home test should not be a substitute for your health care provider's assessment. We always encourage sharing the results of your test with your healthcare provider. A person who wants to check their cholesterol levels can purchase an at-home test kit.
Home cholesterol tests, in contrast, don't offer any real advantages. They don't provide accurate information about your cardiovascular risk. Nor do they tell you much about the impact of diet or exercise on your cholesterol. Even when the reading is accurate, it may not be very useful.
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