Cholesterol Test
Worried that you may have high Cholesterol that could elevate your risk of heart disease or stroke? Get peace of mind by getting tested today, in the comfort of your own home.
Cholesterol Test key facts
Why use at-home Lipid profile test kits for heart health?
Cholesterol, also known as a lipid, is a fatty substance in your blood. It helps to make sure your cells work correctly, as well as make vitamin D and vital hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Too much cholesterol, however, causes hypercholesterolemia, which increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol is usually caused by lifestyle factors such as eating too much fatty food and not exercising enough. Other factors can however also increase your risk. These include a thyroid condition, diabetes, and a family history of high cholesterol.
Our at-home finger-prick Cholesterol Blood Test can help check your blood levels of total cholesterol, good and bad cholesterol, as well as triglycerides, allowing you to take the appropriate steps to reduce high cholesterol levels. Be aware, that cholesterol levels are only one part of your heart health. You may still be at an increased risk of heart disease, even with healthy cholesterol levels, if you have other risk factors. Other medications such as steroids, diuretics, and beta blockers may also lead to falsely raised cholesterol levels.
How does a Lipid profile home test kit help monitor cholesterol?
There are a few different types of cholesterol, but total cholesterol contains mainly HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein). The important factor here is how much HDL and LDL cholesterol you have, and the proportion of protective HDL cholesterol in your total cholesterol. The home Lipid profile test kits test for:
LDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol, also called ‘bad cholesterol’, can cause fatty deposits to collect inside the artery walls. This may lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Non-HDL cholesterol
Your blood contains more types of harmful cholesterol than just LDL, such as VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other lipoproteins, thought to be more harmful than LDL cholesterol. Your non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting your HDL cholesterol from your total cholesterol and includes all the potentially harmful cholesterol in your blood, not just LDL. It is considered a better measure for cardiovascular risk than total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Your recommended non-HDL cholesterol level is below 4 mmol/L.
HDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is also known as ‘good cholesterol’ as it removes cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body. Your cholesterol/HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol value by your HDL cholesterol level to measure your cardiovascular risk.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat converted by your body from excess calories, from fat or carbohydrates. These are then stored as fat in cells, which your body releases when energy is required.
The Cholesterol Blood Test gives you a full breakdown of your cholesterol status, including HDL, non-HDL and triglyceride levels. The ratio of these is used to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease. You can use the test to monitor how lifestyle changes can reduce your risk over time.
How to use a Lipid profile test kit at home
You can take our Cholesterol blood test at home, using our finger-prick test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including instructions and a pre-paid return envelope for your blood sample.
Can Lipid profile home tests detect cholesterol imbalances?
Yes, some Lipid profile home test kits can detect cholesterol imbalances, but the accuracy of these results may vary.
Do at-home Lipid profile tests accurately measure HDL, LDL, and triglycerides?
Some home cholesterol tests are as accurate as those used by healthcare professionals, but the accuracy of the results will depend on the brand of the test and how well you follow the instructions.
Should you fast before taking a Lipid profile home test?
Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need to fast before taking a lipid profile home test.
What are the benefits of the Cholesterol blood test?
- The home test kits are assembled within the UK
- All test kits are security sealed with confidential health test results
- All laboratory testing is performed in an ISO:15189 accredited clinical laboratory
Frequently Asked Questions about Cholesterol blood tests
What is a normal cholesterol level?
As a guide, the NHS gives the following targets:
- Total cholesterol ≤ 5 mmol/L
- HDL ≥ 1 mmol/L for men; ≥ 1.2 mmol/L for women
- LDL ≤ 3 mmol/L
- Non-HDL ≤ 4 mmol/L
- Triglycerides ≤ 2.3 mmol/L
How does this cholesterol test measure bad cholesterol?
Our Cholesterol Blood Test measures bad blood cholesterol by subtracting your HDL cholesterol result from your total cholesterol.
Do men have higher levels of cholesterol than women?
Women have higher good cholesterol levels than men due to hormonal differences, but there is no difference in a man’s or woman’s predisposition for high levels of bad cholesterol.
What does a lipid profile home test kit measure?
A lipid profile home test kit measures your total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and your triglyceride levels.
How accurate are home lipid profile tests compared to lab results?
Home lipid profile tests can be as accurate as those compared to lab results. However, the brand and how well you follow the instruction can affect the accuracy of the results.
Can I take a lipid profile test kit after eating or drinking?
You may need to fast for 10 to 12 hours before your lipid profile blood test. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need to do this before taking your lipid panel home test.
How often should I monitor my cholesterol levels using a home test?
Adults at low risk and over the age of 20 should check their cholesterol every 4–6 years. A doctor may recommend checking your cholesterol levels more often if you are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, or already have heart disease.
How do I collect a blood sample for a lipid profile home test?
You can take our Cholesterol blood test at home, using our finger-prick test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including instructions and a pre-paid return envelope for your blood sample.
What causes high cholesterol?
High cholesterol is caused mainly by lifestyle factors such as eating too much fatty food and not getting enough exercise. However, a family history of high cholesterol, thyroid problems and diabetes can also increase your risk.
What happens if I have high cholesterol?
High cholesterol may not cause any obvious symptoms and most people don’t realise they have high cholesterol until they develop a serious health condition, such as a heart attack. It is important to check your cholesterol levels on a regular basis to ensure you are not at risk.
Can I reduce high cholesterol?
Yes. A healthy diet and changes to your lifestyle can help. Eating more fibre and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and eating less saturated fat can help. However, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough and you may need medications like statins to help reduce your cholesterol levels.
Service Guide
Everything you need to know about Home Health Testing
What is this service for?
Blood tests are a convenient way for you to investigate your health concerns. NowPatient’s Home Health Testing allows you to test hundreds of different biomarkers which can help confirm if your health concerns are valid or simply give you peace of mind that you are in good health.
Is this a safe service?
Yes. For UK users, our laboratory operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is the UK’s largest diagnostic laboratory service which is UKAS and ISO-certified.
For US users, our American laboratory is CLIA-certified and registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Our telehealth clinicians infer your test results and invite you to a virtual consultation in a real-time setting to discuss the results, after which they are then released into your account for download. You can then share the results with your doctor.
Are the at-home Health Testing kits reliable?
- Test kits have an outer seal design, with the product and regulatory information and a tamper-proof seal
- UK Test kits are registered with the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for distribution in the UK only
- US Test kits are registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health
- Test kits are available in multi-language translation
- Each test kit contains a warnings and precautions section with detailed information for the healthcare organization and yourself as the patient
- Video instructions supporting the specific sample collection are provided with each Self-Collect kit. Videos are designed to emphasize the important steps associated with capillary blood sampling and do not supersede or replace the specific end-user instructions provided with each kit
Is the service available in the United States and the United Kingdom?
Yes. This service is available in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Do I need to pay for this service?
Yes, this is currently a private service. However, in the UK, this may change and may be funded by the NHS, in the future. In the US, it may be possible it is covered by insurance but this depends on your health plan.
What happens when I order a Home Health Testing kit?
We will send you the test kit you have ordered, which will have instructions on how to collect your sample. Once collected, you simply pop it into the pre-paid envelope and send it to our laboratory.
How will I know how to use the test kit?
Instructions for sample collection are enclosed in each collection kit and can be found in the video below.
How do I return the sample to your laboratory?
We supply you with a return system package. Use this to send back the sample. Samples are fully tracked and can be posted from any Royal Mail post box, for UK customers, or USPS, for US customers.
How long does it take to get the test results back and what happens next?
Test results can take up to 10 working days to process from the day we receive your sample back. When we have processed your results, you will be sent a notification which will appear in your ‘My Notifications’ section on your dashboard, which will advise you that your results are now in the ‘My Documents’ section of your dashboard, however, the test results will be locked and will not be viewable. The notification will include a link that will allow you to book a consultation with one of our Home Health Testing counsellors.
How do I book a consultation?
Once you click ‘Book Consultation’, you will be taken to a consultation booking screen. You will then need to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available clinicians. From this list, you can filter clinicians by gender and then select the clinician you would like to confirm for your booking. Once you have approved this, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before it is due to start.
What happens during the consultation?
At the consultation, the clinician will discuss what the results mean for you and the medication you are currently taking. If the clinician decides that your doctor may need to review your medication or dose, they will send a referral letter, including the test results, to your doctor. If the clinician decides the results do not affect the way you process your medications then the consultation will end.
What happens at the end of the consultation?
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcomes of the consultation. It will also advise if a doctor referral was made, by way of letter. If a GP referral letter was issued, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘My Documents’ section of your dashboard. At this stage, your test results will also be unlocked and you will be able to download it and share it with any other healthcare provider.
Are my results confidential?
Yes, we follow strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which came into force in May 2018. This places legal requirements on ourselves to ensure your personal data is managed securely with utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of the processing that is carried out and reported when breaches of the regulation do occur. Our platform is also HIPAA compliant which means we are able to handle PHI (Personal Health Information) securely.
Are you able to prescribe a treatment plan, if my results indicate I need treatment?
For UK users, our prescribing clinicians may be able to provide a private treatment plan, subject to their clinical judgment. Unfortunately, we do not operate a service where you can request a certain medication.
What are the limitations of the Home Health Testing service?
All test kits have a certain level of inaccuracy, therefore results can only be taken as estimates. It should be noted all tests are performed in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and test performance is regularly monitored through internal and external quality control for test result interpretation.
We do not recommend sending samples back between Friday noon and Monday morning due to delays.
Are there any concerns or risks I need to be aware of?
Tests cannot be performed if samples fall short of the quality, volume, or other eligibility criteria. In these cases, the laboratory may need to reject the samples, and not carry out processing. Sometimes the laboratory is able to rectify a situation and although turnaround times may be affected, it avoids having to arrange for samples to be taken again.
Tests cannot be performed if incorrect sample types are received; samples are received unprotected from light when they are required to be covered at the point of venepuncture; samples are received in incorrect containers; no sample received; samples mislabelled, unlabelled, or with no forms, or no clinical information, samples are broken or have leaked in transit; samples are contaminated (e.g. being in the same bag as a leaking sample); sample stability time has been exceeded (stability time is test dependant, and also refers to tests that can only be carried out on certain days of the week); samples are received in expired tubes.
The laboratory will not accept samples packaged with needles of any kind.
About Telehealth
Everything you need to know about video consultations
Watch the video below for a rundown of how NowPatient’s remote video consultations work:
Are remote video consultations right for me?
Remote video consultations or synchronous consultations are suitable for many patients who do not need a physical examination and who can communicate via video. Remote video consultations might not always be suitable – for example, if you need a test or physical examination. If that is the case, you will need to attend your doctor’s practice.
Although our Clinicians are clinically trained in various services that we provide, they are not a substitute for your doctor if you have a serious illness or life-threatening condition. If at any time during your remote video consultation, you feel that you would like to end that consultation, then you can say so and the consultation will be ended.
How do I know if the remote video consultation service is safe?
NowPatient has specific safeguards and protocols in place that ensures the service we provide you is safe, secure and effective. Our video technology platform is certified to the highest industry standards of data security and clinical governance.
Do I need to verify my identity during the remote video consultation?
Yes, for your safety and to ensure that the service we provide you, complies with regulations, our clinicians will request that you hold up your ID at the start of your virtual consultation to verify your identity.
Can I have a chaperone (carer, friend, family member) join a remote video consultation?
Yes. If they are in the same location as you, it is possible to have someone with you during your video consultation. You should let your clinician know if you have someone with you at the start of your appointment. You may be asked what relationship the chaperone has to you.
How can I be sure that you are handling and protecting my data securely?
We not only meet the UK and US standards for data security but we exceed them. We demonstrate this by regularly auditing our systems, both internally and externally.
Our various externally audited accreditations such as ISO27001, DTAC, DSPT, and Cyber Essentials + demonstrate our compliance with global security standards and should give you peace of mind.
How is my data stored?
NowPatient’s commitment to data residency is a key priority, and to that end, we only house data in validated data centers. We pledge that UK-based data remains solely in the UK, while US data is governed by HIPAA-prescribed data security protocols.
The data centers we use align with the highest standards of security and privacy, which is demonstrated by a programme of regular external audits to demonstrate the efficacy of safeguards against contemporary threats.
Are my consultations confidential?
Yes, we follow strict General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) which came into force in May 2018. This places legal requirements on ourselves to ensure your personal data is managed securely with the utmost confidentiality. Records are maintained of the processing that is carried out and reported when breaches of the regulation do occur. Our platform is also HIPAA compliant which means we are able to handle PHI (Personal Health Information) securely.
Can I select which clinician I have my consultation with?
Yes. NowPatient allows you to choose from a pool of clinicians based on competencies, gender and languages spoken.
Will my doctor be informed of any consultations I have through the app?
We recognize that your doctor is responsible for your overall care. Our clinicians will communicate with your doctor if they have concerns or recommendations that could be beneficial for your overall care. Referrals are only made upon your explicit consent or if they form part of the terms of service that you consent to.
Do remote video consultations save money for health systems?
The traditional healthcare model encourages patients with health concerns to visit their doctor or pharmacy to seek a consultation. NowPatient is the first remote video consultation service that connects patients to a multi-disciplinary team of clinicians.
It allows patients to book a consultation with a clinician from anywhere in the United Kingdom and the United States. Consultations can be conducted using a smartphone, tablet or PC.
Are remote video consultations safer than online questionnaires?
NowPatient only provides its services in real time over a live video feed. This is called synchronous telehealth. We believe it is the safest way for you to receive remote care because it is in real-time. It is especially beneficial in an emergency situation as the clinician and patient can visually see each other. The clinician can ask all the questions they need to make a diagnosis or build a treatment plan during the consultation. Equally, any concerns you have can be addressed at the point of consultation.
Some providers use a low-tech approach for conducting clinical services such as a questionnaire or quiz. Although it may be suitable for low-risk clinical services, it often means you will not have any face-to-face interaction nor be able to raise concerns about treatment or diagnosis, in real-time, with the clinician who is providing your care.
What quality of care can I expect to receive from a remote video consultation?
Your remote video consultation, conducted by a NowPatient clinician, will always seek to provide you with safe, high-quality care. Your health and well-being is our priority. We continuously monitor and assess the services we provide you to ensure that it is safe, effective, caring and well-led.
Why am I being asked to provide my Blood Pressure reading?
For certain treatments and services, our clinicians require you to provide your most up-to-date blood pressure reading. This is to ensure that the service or treatment being considered is both suitable and safe for you.
If I don’t have a Blood Pressure monitor, how can I provide my readings?
The NowPatient app uses a new approach to measuring blood pressure using your smartphone camera held in front of your face. It is the world’s only blood pressure check without a cuff or wearable.
Is the remote blood pressure monitor safe and medically accurate?
Yes. It Is classified as a Medical Device. It conforms to EU CE and UKCA Class I Medical Device standards. There is also an impending CE Class IIa conformity, expected in Q2 2025.
How does the remote blood pressure monitor actually work?
The diagram below outlines how NowPatient’s blood pressure reading works:
When and how is my remote blood pressure reading taken?
At the point of booking any service or treatment, we will let you know whether there are any requirements for an up-to-date blood pressure reading.
If you are required to give a reading, you will be guided through a series of simple steps.
What devices does the remote Blood Pressure monitor work on?
You will need a recent iOS or Android smartphone with a front-facing camera. It is not available for use on desktop devices.
Why do my results keep failing when using the remote blood pressure monitor service?
Possible reasons why results are not being generated include:
- Bad lighting – Make sure you are well-lit by diffuse lighting. Avoid strong shadows and uneven lighting.
- Unstabilised device – Ensure your device is kept still during the reading.
- Not remaining still – You must stay still during the reading and avoid talking.
- Poor Wi-Fi – The service requires a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal.
Can I Trust NowPatient
Our product and services are certified to international healthcare, medical device and data security standards
Medicines Experts
Meet our medical team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
We are committed to helping everyone, everywhere live healthier lives
The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.
Download our app today
Your Questions Answered
For your peace of mind, we can answer your questions quickly
What does NowPatient do?
NowPatient is an online pharmacy & telehealth service that is available in the US and UK. Our service is FREE and packed with useful features that can help you save money on the cost of your medications, access virtual treatments, and provide tools that can help improve your overall health.
Get started today and benefit from medication reminders, Get Treated Privately, NHS online pharmacy, GP appointment booking, Rx savings card, Drug Coupons, US drug savings programs, health conditions information, genetic testing, home test kits, BMI Risks, Type 2 Diabetes Risks, pollen meter, air quality monitor, and lots more!
Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom. You can view the online services that we provide by clicking Features.
UK users can safely and securely buy medicines online that treat a wide range of medical conditions. UK customers can also order NHS prescriptions online with the benefit of free tracked delivery.
US customers, regardless of insurance coverage, can enjoy huge savings on prescription medications using our various drug savings programs including drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
Where is NowPatient located?
NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.
In the UK, we are located at:
NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA
In the US, we are located at:
NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX
How can I contact NowPatient?
To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.
Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:
UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977
Who owns NowPatient?
NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.
Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).
Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?
NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.
Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).
Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.
How do I make a complaint?
From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?
Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:
• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old
NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?
Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.
You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
We do not provide any prescribing services or dispensing services in the United States.
Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?
Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.
NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.
Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:
What are NowPatient’s opening hours?
Our office hours are:
UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST
Please note that we are closed at weekends.
In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:
UK – 999
US – 911
In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:
UK – 111