Home
/
Home Health Tests
/
Cholesterol Test

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.

NowPatient's Cholesterol Test kit
Trustpilot 4 stars

MEDICAL INFORMATION

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.

VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE

How Our Secure Video Appointments Work and What to Expect From Your Online Consultation

Learn More
Now Patient Data Security

Service Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Home Health Testing

What is the Home Health Testing Service and how does it work?

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.

See the video below to learn about how the service works:

What is a biomarker?

A biomarker, or biological marker, is something that can be measured to provide information about an individual’s health or the presence of disease. In the NowPatient Home Health Tests, biomarkers are used to identify normal or abnormal processes in the body, detect illnesses, monitor how a disease is progressing, or determine how well a treatment is working.

The Importance of Biomarkers include:

  • Enable early detection of diseases
  • Assist in selecting the right treatments
  • Help monitor recovery or treatment success
  • Provide a picture of overall or specific health status

What Health Tests does NowPatient offer in the UK?

NowPatient offers the following Home Health Tests for UK customers:

  • Kidney Function test
  • Liver Function test
  • Vitamin D test
  • Testosterone test
  • Cholesterol test
  • Diabetes test
  • Syphilis test
  • Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea test
  • Ovarian Cancer (CA 125) test
  • HIV test
  • 7 in 1 STI test
  • Nuts and seeds allergy test
  • Food allergy test
  • Milk and Milk proteins allergy test
  • Shellfish allergy test
  • Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema Profile test
  • Allergic Rhinitis/Asthma Profile test

What Health Tests does NowPatient offer in the US?

NowPatient offers the following Home Health Tests for US customers:

  • 2 Panel STI test
  • 6 Panel STI test
  • 10 Panel STI test
  • Testosterone test
  • Men’s Panel hormone test
  • Women’s Panel test

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 review your test results and schedule a live virtual consultation to explain the findings. After the discussion, the results are made available in your account for viewing or download, so you can easily share them with your doctor.

Are Home Health Testing kits reliable?

Yes. Our UK kits are certified by UKAS and CE-marked. Our US kits are CLIA-certified and registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health

  • 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 translations
  • Each test kit contains a warnings and precautions section with detailed information for the healthcare organisation and yourself as the patient
  • Video instructions supporting the specific sample collection are provided with each Self-Collect kit. Videos are designed to emphasise 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.

How do I use the NowPatient Home Health Testing Service?

Navigate to the Home Health Testing Service Card which can be found in the ‘Private Care’ section of the account homepage.

Choose ‘View Tests’ from the Options Menu on the Home Health Testing Service Card. You can now start by entering the name of the test you’re interested in using the search box.

Or, browse the full range of tests available from NowPatient. To learn more about a specific test and its benefits, click ‘View Test’.

Once you’ve made your choice, click ‘Add to Cart’ to proceed.

Follow the steps below to complete your purchase:

How to Checkout on NowPatient
  • Dashboard screen
    1
    Go to Cart using Account Navigation
  • If there is an NHS service item in the Cart - An NHS Exemption Declaration will Pop Up - order
    2
    If there is an NHS service item in the Cart - An NHS Exemption Declaration will Pop Up
  • Complete the NHS Exemption Declaration for each NHS service item - order
    3
    Complete the NHS Exemption Declaration for each NHS service item
  • Select ‘Checkout’ - order
    4
    Select ‘Checkout’
  • Select Delivery Address - order
    5
    Select Delivery Address
  • Select Delivery Method - order
    6
    Select Delivery Method
  • Confirm Billing Address - order
    7
    Confirm Billing Address
  • Review Order - order
    8
    Review Order
  • Payment screen
    9
    Submit Payment
  • Order Completed - order
    10
    Order Completed
  • Dashboard screen
    11
    Return to Account Homepage
scrollable

What Happens Next:

  1. Home Test Kit Delivery
    Your Home Health Testing Kit will be delivered to your home or preferred address.
  2. Collect Your Sample
    Follow the step-by-step instructions included in the kit to collect your sample.Test kit instructions
  3. Return Your Sample
    Use the prepaid return packaging provided to send your sample back to our laboratory.
  4. Processing & Notification
    Once your sample has been analysed, you’ll receive a notification letting you know your results are ready.
  5. Book Your Consultation
    Schedule an appointment with one of our licensed clinicians to review your results. Follow the instructions below to book:

    How to Book a Consultation With NowPatient
    • Book gp consultation slideshow 1
      1
      Book Consultation
    • Book gp consultation slideshow 2
      2
      Choose Consultation Date
      Next, you’ll be taken to the ‘Consultation Date’ screen, where you can select your preferred consultation date. You can also add any notes that might assist the clinician during your session. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
    • Book gp consultation slideshow 3
      3
      Choose Consultation Time
      You will now see the ‘Consultation Time’ screen. Select your preferred time for the consultation and then click ‘Continue’.
    • Book gp consultation slideshow 4
      4
      Choose Clinician
      On the ‘Choose Clinician’ screen, you’ll be able to view available clinicians and select the one you prefer. You can filter the list by gender and spoken languages. Once you’ve made your selection, click ‘Continue’.
    • Book gp consultation slideshow 5
      5
      Booking Confirmation
      You will now arrive at the ‘Booking Confirmation’ screen, where you can review a summary of your booking. This screen also includes an advisory titled ‘Pre-consultation Requirements’, which offers helpful tips on how to prepare for your live video consultation. Click ‘Continue’ to proceed.
    • Book gp consultation slideshow 6
      6
      Safety Information & Reminders
      You’ll be asked to provide safety information, including: - The address where you will be during the consultation - Emergency contact details You can also opt to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your scheduled video consultation.
    • Book gp consultation slideshow 7
      7
      Final Confirmation
      Click ‘Confirm Booking’ to complete the process. A pop-up will appear to confirm your booking, and you will be redirected to your account homepage. You’ll also receive confirmation via In-App and Push notifications.
    scrollable
  6. View Your Results
    After your consultation, your results will be available in the ‘Reports & Letters’ section on the account homepage.

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?

Test results can take up to 10 working days to process from the day we receive your sample back.

What happens during the consultation?

Here’s how the virtual consultation will generally go:

  1. Introduction & Verification
    The clinician will begin by introducing themselves and confirming your identity to ensure privacy and confidentiality.
  2. Review of Test Results
    They will walk you through your test results, explaining what each value means in simple, understandable terms.For example, if your cholesterol is high, they’ll explain how that might affect your health.
  3. Personalized Interpretation
    The clinician will consider your health history, lifestyle, and any symptoms you report to provide context. This helps them give a more accurate, personalised interpretation of your results.
  4. Health Advice & Recommendations
    Based on your results, the clinician may offer advice such as lifestyle changes, dietary suggestions, or recommend further testing or follow-up care.If the results indicate something that needs medical attention, they may advise you to consult your doctor or specialist.
  5. Answering Your Questions
    You’ll have time to ask questions or discuss any concerns. The goal is to make sure you understand your health status and next steps clearly.
  6. Next Steps & Support
    After the consultation, your results and a summary of the discussion will be made available in the ‘Reports & Letters’ section on your account homepage.

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 that 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 dependent, 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