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Cholesterol Test at Home

Check your cholesterol and lipid levels from the comfort of home. A full lipid panel including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides, collected by a professional phlebotomist.

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What a Cholesterol Test Measures

A lipid panel provides a complete picture of the fats circulating in your blood and your cardiovascular risk.

MarkerWhat It ShowsIdeal Level
Total CholesterolOverall cholesterol levelBelow 5 mmol/L
LDL Cholesterol"Bad" cholesterol — artery cloggingBelow 3 mmol/L
HDL Cholesterol"Good" cholesterol — protectiveAbove 1.0 mmol/L
TriglyceridesFat from food and liver productionBelow 2.3 mmol/L (fasting)
Total:HDL RatioCardiovascular risk indicatorBelow 6 (ideally below 4)

Who Needs a Cholesterol Test?

Adults over 40

The NHS recommends cholesterol screening every five years for adults over 40 as part of cardiovascular risk assessment.

Family history of heart disease

Familial hypercholesterolaemia affects around 1 in 250 people and causes dangerously high cholesterol from birth.

Taking statins

If you are on cholesterol-lowering medication, regular testing confirms your treatment is working effectively.

Lifestyle monitoring

Tracking the impact of dietary changes, exercise, or weight loss on your cholesterol levels.

How It Works

1

Book online

Enter your postcode, choose a time slot, and select the cholesterol / lipid panel. No GP referral required.

2

Phlebotomist visits you

A DBS-checked mobile phlebotomist arrives at your home and collects a venous blood sample in under 10 minutes.

3

Results delivered

Your sample is dispatched to an accredited laboratory the same day. Results typically within one to three working days.

Preparation Tips

If fasting is required, avoid food for 10-14 hours before your test (water is fine).

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test for accurate triglyceride readings.

Take your regular medications unless told otherwise by your doctor.

Stay well hydrated to make the blood draw easier.

Wear loose sleeves for easy access to your arm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test?

Most laboratories now accept non-fasting cholesterol samples. However, if your doctor has specifically requested a fasting lipid panel, you should fast for 10 to 14 hours before your blood draw. Water is fine during the fasting period. Check with your requesting clinician if you are unsure.

What is a healthy cholesterol level?

Total cholesterol should ideally be below 5 mmol/L. LDL ("bad") cholesterol should be below 3 mmol/L, and HDL ("good") cholesterol should be above 1 mmol/L for men and 1.2 mmol/L for women. Triglycerides should be below 2.3 mmol/L when fasting. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your overall cardiovascular risk.

How often should I check my cholesterol?

The NHS recommends adults over 40 have a cholesterol check every five years as part of an NHS Health Check. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, are on statins, or have other cardiovascular risk factors, more frequent testing may be recommended — typically every 6 to 12 months.

Can I get an accurate cholesterol test without going to a clinic?

Yes. A venous blood sample collected by a phlebotomist at home is processed using exactly the same laboratory equipment as a hospital sample. The results are equally accurate and clinically valid.

What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your blood. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is "bad" cholesterol because high levels lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing heart attack and stroke risk.

Book Your Cholesterol Test Today

Find a DBS-checked phlebotomist near you. Most bookings confirmed in under two minutes.

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Related reading: Understanding Your Cholesterol Levels