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The computer in the meter analyzes the test strip and displays your results on a screen. We also read online reviews to determine whether users find the tests easy to use and accurate. We chose a variety of test types, including some that get sent to a laboratory for analysis, and some that are read by meters at home. We offered a range of price points to fit multiple budgets.
Its easy to measure at home with no equipment and offers useful information about your heart and overall fitness. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. At-home cholesterol tests require a small sample of blood. To get your sample, you’ll prick your finger with a lancet or lancing pen.
How do home kits measure cholesterol?
Additional data points help to establish your cardiovascular risk. To determine your cardiovascular risk, your doctor will consider your cholesterol test results in context with your age, sex and family history. Other risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure, will be considered as well. The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked.
Knowing your cholesterol levels helps you understand your risk for certain diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Although the standard method of checking your cholesterol is a visit to your doctor, at-home cholesterol tests can provide an alternate and convenient option. Many kits only measure your overall cholesterol levels.
Our picks for the best at-home cholesterol tests
Even when the reading is accurate, it may not be very useful. But it's not enough to assess your cardiovascular health. At-home tests are about as accurate as laboratory tests done on blood samples your doctor takes. However, at-home tests should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. At-home medical testing has changed the face of healthcare in the United States. At-home tests provide fast, accurate access to indicators about several conditions, including high cholesterol.
Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to reduce high cholesterol. Share your at-home results with your doctor, especially if they’re high. 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. Compare your result to the recommended total cholesterol range.
How Accurate Are Home Cholesterol Tests?
Cholesterol is necessary for your health, and different types of cholesterol affect the body in different ways. Too much of certain types can be dangerous for your health. 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.
During moments of high stress or intense physical exertion, for example, your heart beats faster. At-home cortisol tests are a convenient and efficient way to monitor your stress and adjust accordingly. This article reviews 10 natural ways to increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. They may contain tissue fluid or debris from sloughed skin.
You can also check your risk yourself using the Check. 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. Take two women with "normal" total cholesterol levels of 195 mg/dL.
This will make it more difficult to interpret your test results. These tests have information about the test’s accuracy printed on the product label. A diet high in monounsaturated fats and omega-3s decreased triglyceride levels in 17 men with moderately increased triglycerides . Compared to a diet high in carbs, diets rich in protein and unsaturated fat reduced triglycerides by about 10 mg/dL in a study of 164 people with high blood pressure . High blood pressure doesnât always come with any warning signs.
Researchers say statins can help reduce the risk of a common subtype of stroke known as an intracerebral hemorrhage. Strive for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day of brisk walking or other aerobic activities you enjoy. If you have concerns about blood sugar and cholesterol and wish to test often at home, this meter may be an appropriate choice for you. Digital readout testers are available at pharmacies and online retailers. Always choose a kit that’s approved by the FDA (in the U.S.) or similar government agency where you live.
When the arteries of your legs are clogged, a sufficient amount of oxygen-rich blood does not reach your lower part. Most people with high cholesterol levels complain about burning pain in the lower limbs. One may feel pain in any part of the leg like thighs or calves. If the test results indicate high cholesterol levels, you should make an appointment with your doctor for further advice before any medical decisions are taken. The Fit2FlyTest cholesterol level test is easy to use; it just requires a small finger-prick blood sample to perform. The cholesterol kit test results are only an estimate of your cholesterol level.
However, it’s important that you follow the test instructions exactly, or your results may be skewed. Choose a color-coded strip kit for a budget-friendly, basic option. Pharmacies often carry several types of tests that utilize a color-changing strip to assess your cholesterol. They’re less expensive than multi-use digital testers, usually costing $20-$50 USD, and are reasonably accurate when used correctly. However, they generally don’t break down the different aspects of your cholesterol reading.
Dr. Litza is a board certified Family Medicine Physician in Wisconsin. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. This buildup could lead to a blockage and a heart attack, with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
Are Cholesterol Home Test Kits Regulated By The Fda
This will ensure that you get the most accurate reading possible. As soon as you see 1-2 drops of blood well up from your finger pad, smear the blood onto the clearly-marked testing area of the test strip. Wrap a clean tissue around your finger pad if needed to stop the bleeding, but don’t put the test strip down in the process.
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