6 Best At-Home Cholesterol Tests for 2023

• Best instructional video: LetsGetChecked Cholesterol Test | Skip to review
• Best for lower budgets: Everlywell Cholesterol & Lipids Test | Skip to review
• Best for phone consultations: myLAB Box At Home Cholesterol and Lipids Test | Skip to review
• Best illustrated guide: CardioChek Analyzer Starter Cholesterol Kit | Skip to review
• Best for travel: CURO L5 Blood Total Cholesterol Test Kit | Skip to review
• Best test result storage: CURO L7 Lipid Blood Cholesterol Test Home Kit | Skip to review

Below are some at-home cholesterol tests a person can purchase online.

The table below compares the tests in this article.

All tests use a finger-prick sample collection.

A person should ask a doctor to help choose an appropriate at-home cholesterol test kit. However, they may also wish to consider the following:

• Laboratories: A person should check whether or not a company works with CLIA-certified laboratories. This indicates that they hold federal certifications and meet quality laboratory testing standards.
• Consultations: Many brands offer doctor’s consultations for people who wish to discuss their results. However, these may only be available to those receiving positive cholesterol test results.
• Design: Some devices are small, lightweight, and portable. These may be suitable for individuals who travel regularly. Some test kits also come with a travel case.
• Guide: Choosing a device with a user guide explaining how individuals should use the test kit is best. Some brands, such as LetsGetChecked, also provide instructional videos on their website.
• Subscriptions: At-home cholesterol test kits come with a one-time price, but some companies offer subscription plans for people who need to check their cholesterol levels regularly.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that travels through the bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins. It helps the body by:

• generating vitamin D
• producing bile acids that help the body absorb nutrients and digest fat
• producing hormones

The body produces cholesterol naturally. However, cholesterol is also present in some foods, including:

• processed meats
• full-fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
• seafood, such as octopus and prawn

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Cholesterol tests also measure triglycerides, which are a form of fat in certain foods.

LDL

LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” makes up most of the body’s cholesterol.

When a person has high LDL levels, the cholesterol builds up in their blood vessels, causing them to narrow. This prevents blood from flowing, which, in turn, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

High LDL levels are linked to:

• hypertension
• hypertriglyceridemia
• atherosclerosis

Learn more about high cholesterol here.

HDL

HDL, or “good cholesterol,” collects the bad cholesterol from the arteries and carries it back to the liver so that the body can get rid of it.

The American Heart Association (AHA) states that HDL may protect people from heart attack and stroke by preventing excess cholesterol from entering the arteries.

Triglycerides

A lipid profile also measures triglycerides. These are common types of fats that people get from foods such as butter and oils. The body changes these calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. It then releases them when it needs energy.

According to the AHA, people with high triglyceride and LDL levels may also have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Using at-home cholesterol tests is a convenient way for people to test their cholesterol levels without needing to make an appointment with a healthcare professional.

Types

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

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

According to the CDC, healthy adults should undergo a cholesterol test every 4-6 years.

However, doctors may recommend more frequent cholesterol screenings for people with:

• a family history of heart attack and high cholesterol
• diabetes
• obesity
• hypertension

The CDC states that cholesterol levels should be as follows:

• Total cholesterol levels should be under 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).
• LDL cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dl.
• HDL cholesterol should be greater than or equal to 60 mg/dl.
• Triglyceride levels should be under 150 mg/dl.

At-home cholesterol tests usually involve a person collecting a finger-prick blood sample. They can do so by following these steps:

1. Wash hands thoroughly. Using an alcohol wipe, clean one of the fingers and leave it to dry.
2. Remove the cap from the lancet and press it firmly into the clean fingertip to activate the needle. In some cases, there may be a button on the side of the lancet to activate it instead.
3. Wipe away the first drop of blood with a clean tissue. Then hold the finger over the tube and use a massage motion from the base to the fingertip to encourage blood flow into the tube. Fill the tube to the required amount.
4. Bandage the finger, replace the safety cap on the lancet, and seal the tube.
5. Follow the provided instructions to return the sample back to the laboratory.

People who receive a positive cholesterol test result should consider seeking medical advice. A doctor can help a person interpret their results and suggest the most suitable treatment plan.

Doctors may recommend specific home care strategies, such as exercise, reaching or maintaining a moderate weight, and following a balanced diet.

Also, a doctor may prescribe medications like statins to help lower cholesterol levels.

Learn more about how to lower high cholesterol with lifestyle changes here.

Below are answers to common questions about testing cholesterol at home.

How accurate are home cholesterol tests?

The FDA states that at-home cholesterol tests are as accurate as those a healthcare professional may administer.

However, a person must follow the instructions carefully to ensure that they collect a valid sample. This increases the likelihood of receiving an accurate result.

How can I test myself for high cholesterol?

A person can use an at-home cholesterol test which usually involves a person collecting a finger prick blood sample. However, people should always follow up with a healthcare professional for advice and any necessary treatment.

How can you tell if you have high cholesterol without a blood test?

High cholesterol does not cause any symptoms. A blood test is the only way a person can find out if they have high cholesterol.

However, risk factors include being overweight, not exercising regularly, eating fatty foods, drinking alcohol, and smoking. High cholesterol may also have a genetic component and run in families.

What to eat the night before a cholesterol test

A healthcare professional or the manufacturers of an at-home test should provide instructions on whether a person needs to fast or if they can eat and drink as they normally would before taking a cholesterol test.

If a person needs to fast, this usually means they can only drink water for a certain amount of time before the test.

Learn more about what to eat the night before a cholesterol test.

How long to fast before a cholesterol test

According to the American Heart Association, a healthcare professional may advise a person to avoid eating, drinking most beverages, and taking medications, for 9-12 hours before a cholesterol test.

However, not all cholesterol tests require fasting. A person should only fast if their doctor or the test manufacturer recommends it.

Learn more about fasting before a cholesterol test here.

Can you do a lipid test at home?

A person can conduct a lipid test, otherwise known as a cholesterol test, from home. People should ensure they purchase a test from a trustworthy company that works with CLIA-certified laboratories.

A person who wants to check their cholesterol levels can purchase an at-home test kit. These kits come with instructions and all the tools a person needs to collect their sample.

People may purchase an at-home test kit from FDA-regulated companies collaborating with CLIA-certified laboratories. This indicates that companies have established quality standards for laboratory testing.

People may seek guidance from a doctor if they have other health conditions or a family history of heart disease and high cholesterol. These people may need to check their cholesterol levels regularly.