Cholesterol test at home: Could it be faster or better?
If you don't mind pricking your finger, you can have your cholesterol checked without sitting in a doctor's waiting room or lab. Devices available at pharmacies or on the Internet make this easy to do at home.
Products for home cholesterol testing are faster than going to the hospital to have your cholesterol checked. You prick your finger, gently squeeze a few drops of blood onto a test strip or into a small "well", and in a few minutes you'll have the results instead of waiting days.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance. It's not inherently "bad". Your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. But too much cholesterol can cause problems.
There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Cholesterol tests also measure triglycerides, a form of fat found in some foods.
There are two sources of cholesterol. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need. The remaining cholesterol in your body comes from animal foods. For example, meat, poultry and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol.
These same foods are rich in saturated fats and trans fats. These fats cause your liver to produce more cholesterol than would otherwise be the case. For some people, this increased production means they go from normal cholesterol levels to unhealthy levels.
Some tropical oils - such as palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil - contain saturated fats that increase bad cholesterol. These oils are commonly found in baked goods.
Low-density lipoprotein
LDL, or "bad cholesterol," makes up most of the body's cholesterol.
When a person's LDL levels are high, cholesterol builds up in their blood vessels, causing them to narrow. This can block blood flow, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
High LDL levels are associated with:
1. High blood pressure
2. Hypertriglyceridemia
3. Atherosclerosis
High-density lipoprotein
A trusted source of HDL, or "good cholesterol," collects bad cholesterol from the arteries and brings it back to the liver so the body can get rid of it.
This American Heart Association (AHA) Trusted Source states that HDL can protect people from heart attacks and strokes by preventing excess cholesterol from entering the arteries.
Triglycerides
Lipid profiles also measure triglycerides. These are common types of fats that people get from foods like butter and oil. The body converts these calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. It then releases them when energy is needed.
People with high levels of triglycerides and LDL may also be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.
Why you need a cholesterol test at home?
If uncontrolled, it may lead to increased risk of:
1. Atherosclerosis or deposition of cholesterol in the walls of arteries
Plaque build-up happens gradually. Mild arteriosclerosis may not have any symptoms. Symptoms of moderate to severe arteriosclerosis depend on the arteries affected; moderate to severe arteriosclerosis symptoms include:
①Chest pain or angina
②Pain in your leg, arm, and anywhere else that has a blocked artery
③Shortness of breath
④Fatigue
⑤Confusion, which occurs if the blockage affects circulation to your brain
⑥Muscle weakness in your legs from lack of blood circulation
2. Reduced blood flow to the heart and brain due to atherosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis can cause the following conditions:
Coronary artery disease: plaque deposits in coronary artery blocks the blood flow.
Carotid artery disease: carotid artery present in neck and the supply of blood to the brain get affected due to plaque buildup in the arteries.
Peripheral artery disease: narrowing of the arteries present in the lower body.
Kidney disease: plaque deposition in renal arteries. Arteriosclerosis of these arteries may lead to kidney failure.
3. Heart diseases including heart attack
Sometimes heart disease may be “silent” and not diagnosed until a man experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia.
When these events happen, symptoms may include
①Heart attack: Chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
②Arrhythmia: Fluttering feelings in the chest (palpitations).
Heart failure: Shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins.
③Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease.
4. Stroke
As different parts of brain control different parts of the body, symptoms will depend on the part of brain affected and the extent of damage. The main symptoms are:
①Paralysis or numbness or inability to move parts of The face, arm, or leg - particularly on one side of The body
②Confusion- including trouble with speaking
③Headache with vomiting
④Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
⑤Metallic taste in mouth
⑥Difficulty in swallowing
⑦Trouble in walking (impaired coordination)
⑧Dystonia
⑨Alexia
⑩Agnosia
Take a cholesterol test at home if you have：
1. Heart disease
Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.
With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Sometimes, these deposits can suddenly break apart and form clots, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
2. Diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes and have your blood sugar under control, you still might have high levels of triglycerides and low HDL levels. You may also have higher levels of LDL cholesterol, too. Having poor blood sugar control can make cholesterol levels worse.
If you have diabetes and have low levels of good cholesterol but high levels of bad cholesterol and high triglycerides, you have a condition called diabetic dyslipidemia. Up to 70% of people with type 2 diabetes have diabetic dyslipidemia.
3. Kidney disease
The findings suggested that high levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol or low levels of HDL “good" cholesterol in combination with high levels of other unhealthy blood lipids make kidney problems more likely.
People with high cholesterol were about twice as likely to get chronic kidney disease over time. People with kidney disease have more risk for heart problems. When your kidneys aren’t working well, it also changes the way your body handles cholesterol and other lipids. So, kidney disease and high cholesterol often go together.
4. Hypertension
High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol are linked. Cholesterol plaque and calcium cause your arteries to become hard and narrow. So, your heart has to strain much harder to pump blood through them. As a result, your blood pressure becomes too high.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two of the biggest causes of heart disease. In the U.S., about 1 in 3 adults have high blood pressure, and about 1 in 3 adults have high cholesterol. More than half of the adults in each group don’t have their condition under control.
5. Liver disease
You’ve probably heard that eating too much cholesterol is bad for your heart. But it may be even worse for your liver.
Cholesterol from food mostly ends up in the liver. If you are getting too much, this can increase your risk for fatty liver disease. High cholesterol also can turn fatty liver disease (steatosis) into a more serious and sometimes fatal condition known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
What is a Cholesterol test at home?
Types of Cholesterol test at home
There are two types of at-home cholesterol tests: self-collection and laboratory-based.
With self-collection tests, a person can use test strips that measure cholesterol levels. They need to add a drop of blood to the strip and read the color change. They can also buy an electronic meter, which requires them to add a drop of blood to a test strip, insert the strip into the meter, and read the results.
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. Once they collect their blood sample, they can send it to a laboratory, where a healthcare professional performs the test.
Reliability of Cholesterol test at home
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), at-home cholesterol tests are as accurate as tests doctors provide in a clinic. The FDA recommends that people follow the manufacturer’s instructions to help prevent inaccurate results.
The FDA also notes that at-home tests that say they are “traceable” to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may be more accurate than others.
When to Test the Cholesterol test at home
However, physicians may recommend more frequent cholesterol screenings for people:
1. Heart disease
2. Family history of high cholesterol
3. Diabetes
4. Obesity
5. High blood pressure
The CDC states that cholesterol levels should be as follows:
Total cholesterol level: should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).
LDL cholesterol: This should be less than 100 mg/dl.
HDL cholesterol: This should be greater than or equal to 60 mg/dl.
Triglyceride level: this should be less than 150 mg/dl.
FAQ about cholesterol test at home
Best cholesterol test at home comparison in 2022
SELFCheck Cholesterol Test At Home
This single-use test provides results in under 5 minutes.
Each test kit contains a test card, lancet, and plaster.
A person uses the lancet to prick a finger and get a small blood sample.
The company recommends that people contact a doctor if the result is over 5 millimoles per liter.
VivoMed says that its equipment has the same components as the equipment in hospitals.
Price: A test kit costs $19.49, which includes tax.
Person may wish to consider the advantages and disadvantages of this test.
PROs
✅Affordable price
✅Easy to use, no hassle testing process
✅Fast results in less than 5 minutes
CONs
❌Manual analysis is prone to errors in judgment
❌Test accuracy is not high
❌Can only be tested once
❌Results are limited to the 5 mmol/L range
PTS Panels Cholesterol Test At Home
The PTS Panels Cholesterol Kit is easy to use and comes with an electronic analyzer, total cholesterol test strips, HDL test strips, triglyceride test strips, Lancets and capillary sticks. When used properly, the meter will produce accurate readings that you can test at home and trust.
The meter functions similarly to a blood glucose meter. You simply place a drop of blood on the test strip, insert the test strip into the electronic meter, and you can view the results in just 90 seconds. The device is user-friendly and the refills are reasonably priced and much less expensive than requiring additional lab work at your doctor's office.
PROs
✅Features an easy-to-use design
✅Analyzes many types of cholesterol
✅Provides an illustrated guide and instruction manual
CONs
❌Expensive test kit
❌Requires different test strips for each analysis
❌Poor customer service and inaccurate test results based on customer reviews
Curo L7 Cholesterol and Lipids Test At Home
SDBIO's cholesterol test kit measures: HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol levels, non-HDL
Up to 500 test results can be stored and results are available within 3 minutes.
In addition, the company claims that customer service agents are available for individuals who may need to ask questions. It also offers video demonstrations for those who may need assistance in using the SDBIO cholesterol kit. The test kits are available on Amazon for about $299.
PROs
✅Portable design
✅Large storage capacity
✅No need for a blood collection pen
CONs
❌More expensive than other kits
❌Inaccurate results and missing parts according to customer reviews
myLAB Box At Home Cholesterol and Lipids Test At Home
MyLAB Box provides a finger prick collection method. This FDA-registered entity states that it works with CAP and CLIA accredited laboratories.The company offers free 2-day shipping on household goods. Once a person has taken their blood sample, they should receive the results within 2-5 days.
MyLAB Box says people don't need to fast or adjust their diet before collecting samples. It also advises people to continue taking any prescribed medications until they discuss the test results with their doctor.If they receive a positive result, people can also book a consultation with a myLAB Box doctor. Its test kit costs $89.
PROs
✅CAP- and CLIA-certified laboratories
✅accepts flexible spending account and health saving account payments
CONs
❌Costly test kits
❌No tests for oral herpes, ureaplasma, or Gardnerella vaginalis
❌Need to send the blood sample to the lab and wait for the test result for a long time
Everlywell Cholesterol & Lipids Test At Home
Everlywell offers a collection of finger prick samples that measure: total cholesterol levels, HDL, calculated LDL, triglycerides People can register on the Everlywell website. There, they will need to include their order identification number.
Then, once they have collected their samples, they can send them to one of Everlywell's testing facilities. The company claims it works with laboratories that are CLIA-accredited.
People should receive their results through the Everlywell online platform. They may also receive tips and other resources to help them understand their results. One of Everlywell's test kits is available for $49.
PROs
✅Provides telemedicine consultation
✅Provides extensive testing
✅Bank-grade encryption to ensure privacy
CONs
❌Expensive test kit
❌Long waiting time for test results
❌Based on customer reviews: slow processing time
❌Need to send the blood sample to the lab and wait for the test result for a long time
LetsGetChecked Cholesterol Test At Home
LetsGetChecked recommends that people collect samples before 10 a.m. and before breakfast.
LetsGetChecked offers a one-time purchase and subscription plan for people who need regular cholesterol testing.
It states that its laboratory is accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and is part of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) program.
People should receive their results within 2-5 days. In addition, they can contact a LetsGetChecked nurse at any time to discuss their results.
Their price: One test kit costs $79. It is relatively expensive and not well suited for a group that needs testing frequently.
PROs
✅Work with CLIA-accredited laboratories
✅Offer subscription plans for regular testing
✅An essential part of aromatherapy
✅Provide nurse consultation for those with positive results
✅Provide mobile apps for health tracking
CONs
❌Expensive test kits
❌Expensive expedited shipping
❌Only some tests in the bundle are available
❌Need to send the blood sample to the lab and wait for the test result for a long time
Medasia.store LPM-101 Cholesterol Test At Home
Medasia.store's Cholesterol Test Kit provides the best solution for performing cholesterol testing at home. It reports 5 data points - TC, HDL, LDL, TC/HDL, TG - with just one blood sample. It uses profile cholesterol test strips that report your entire lipid panel, eliminating the need to use a different type of test strip for each cholesterol.
In addition, the company claims that customer service staff is available for individuals who may need to ask questions. Demonstrations are available for those who may need help using the Medasia Cholesterol Kit.
The cholesterol test kit itself is convenient, making it ideal for people who travel a lot or seem to be always on the move. The kit includes 1* lipid analyzer, 1* triple test strip, 1* coding chip, 1* USB cable, 5* capillary transfer tubes/droppers, 5* sterile Lancets, 5* triple test strips, 1 carrying case, 1* English user manual and a one year warranty.
PROs
✅Multiple test contents
✅Cheap price + 10% discount
✅Customer comments: accurate testing
✅One-on-one customer service
✅Protect your privacy, deliver directly to your home, complete the test and learn the result at home
✅Fast test speed, get test results in 2 minutes
CONs
❌The test strips are only valid for one year
❌Improper handling can easily cause errors in test results
Comparison table
This table compares the tests in this article.
| SELFCheck | PTS | Curo | myLAB | Everlywell | LetsGetChecked | Medasia.store | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collection method | finger prick | finger prick | finger prick | finger prick | finger prick | finger prick | finger prick |
| Results time | 5 minutes | 1 minutes | 3 minutes | 2–5 days | 5-7 days | 2–5 days | 2 minutes |
| Number of tests | 1 | 9 | Not a consumable product | 1 | 1 | 1 | Not a consumable product |
| Price | $19.49 | around $183.99 | around $299 | $89 | $49 | $79 | $159 |
Which Cholesterol Test At Home is best?
Medasia.store LPM-101 Cholesterol Test At Home
In contrast, Medasia.store's professional-grade cholesterol test at home is suitable for anyone monitoring their cholesterol or interested in knowing their current levels. It's a convenient cholesterol test that provides you with easy-to-understand results for multiple key measurements of blood lipids. And it's inexpensive enough to test multiple times. The compact size makes it easy to use on the go for those clients who are always on the go or who like to travel.
Medasia.store Professional-grade cholesterol test at home is used for quantitative determination of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides (TG), and calculation of TC/HDL and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) ratios in capillary, venous whole blood, plasma and serum. The lipid analysis system provides the results. The cholesterol test at home can store up to 500 results and records. The cholesterol test at home can be operated by battery charging.
Medasia.store Professional grade cholesterol test at home measurement principle uses the photochemical principle and is used in conjunction with lipid test strips (LPS-101, TCS-101, TGS-101, HLS-101), where a sample of whole blood to be tested is added to the sample area of the lipid test strip. During rapid permeation, the blood cells are filtered or lysed. The substrate reacts with the enzymes and chemicals in the reaction layer, resulting in a color change, then the color intensity is proportional to the concentration of the substance.
Multi-Function
RELIABLE PERFORMANCE, ACCURATE RESULTS
Medical CE approval, Medical ISO-certified. Hospital clinical test passed. With the correct test method, The cholesterol test at home would provide lab-quality accuracy for you.
CONVENIENT, SAVE COST, PRIVATELY
Especially suitable for testing the cholesterol when you are at home or traveling outside.
Low-Cost Portable Whole Blood Test System For Standard Home Users, Reliable accuracy & precision, Simple & convenient for use, Help assess the risk of developing coronary heart disease, Monitor existing conditions, and measure the effectiveness of certain treatments.
3 IN 1 FUNCTION IN ONE MACHINE
Using 3 in 1 strips, one test to get TC, HDL, TG results. Convenient you do not need to do multiple tests. And also singel result can get from individual strips.
What to look for when choosing a cholesterol test at home
A person should ask their doctor to help them choose the right cholesterol test at home for them. However, they may also want to consider the following factors when looking for a cholesterol test at home.
Consultations: Many brands offer physician consultations for those who wish to discuss their results. However, these may only be available to those who receive a positive cholesterol test result. Customer service staff should be knowledgeable and have some medical foundation to help each customer.
Design: The devices are small, lightweight and portable. These may be suitable for people who travel a lot. Some test kits also come with a travel case.
Guidelines: It is best to choose a device with a user guide that explains how an individual should use the test kit. Some brands also offer instructional videos on their websites.
Subscriptions: Home cholesterol test kits have a one-time price, but there are companies that offer subscription plans for people who need to check their cholesterol levels regularly.
What are the benefits of a cholesterol test at home?
Related articles on Medasia.store
1. What you need to know about cholesterol levels?
2. 12 Causes of High Cholesterol
4. 2022 Best Home Hemoglobin Meter Buyers Guide
5. 9 Best At-Home Kidney Tests Buyers Guide In 2022
Sources
The article is for reference only and cannot be used as a basis for consultation. If you have any questions or symptoms, please consult a qualified physician. Some of the articles on Medasia.Store websites are from the internet, and some of them are not sure of the authenticity of the content, author, and source of the articles, we do not take any legal responsibility for the authenticity of the content of the articles. We will not use the articles for commercial purposes, reprinted articles are for sharing use only, if it involves infringement or inaccuracy, please be sure to contact us first to delete them! We respect and appreciate originality!
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What Is Cholesterol?
