Are Home Cholesterol Tests Accurate?

Home cholesterol tests are very useful 

Home cholesterol tests offer a valuable tool for individuals to take charge of their health and empower themselves with important information about their cholesterol levels. By providing convenient access to cholesterol testing at home, these tests enable individuals to monitor their cholesterol levels regularly without the need for frequent visits to a doctor or clinic. This accessibility can be particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to healthcare facilities.

By understanding their cholesterol levels, individuals can make informed decisions about their lifestyle and diet choices to promote heart health. For example, if a home cholesterol test reveals elevated cholesterol levels, individuals can take proactive steps such as adopting a heart-healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and, if necessary, consulting with their GP for further evaluation and management.

Home cholesterol tests can be particularly useful for individuals who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease or those who are monitoring the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering medications. Regular monitoring with home cholesterol tests allows individuals to track changes in their cholesterol levels over time and assess the impact of lifestyle modifications or medication adjustments.

How accurate are home cholesterol tests compared to laboratory tests taken at your doctors?

Home cholesterol tests can provide a reasonable estimate of your cholesterol levels, but they may not be as accurate as tests conducted in a clinical setting. These tests typically involve pricking your finger to collect a small blood sample, which is then analysed for cholesterol levels. However, factors such as user error, sample handling, and the quality of the testing device can affect the accuracy of the results.

Our top tips for getting accurate results with home cholestertol test kits and cholesterol meters

1. Obtaining a good blood sample from the finger prick is crucial for obtaining accurate results with all home cholesterol tests.
2. Factors such as ensuring your hands are clean and warm, using the lancet properly to prick the finger at the recommended depth, and collecting an adequate blood sample can all impact the accuracy of the test.
3. Inadequate blood samples or improper lancing technique may lead to skewed results, potentially providing inaccurate information about your cholesterol levels.
4. It's essential to carefully follow the instructions provided with the home cholesterol test kit and take care to obtain a proper blood sample to ensure the most accurate results possible.
5. It's crucial not to squeeze the finger to obtain the blood sample for a home cholesterol test. Squeezing the finger can cause the blood to mix with tissue fluid, which may affect the accuracy of the test results.
6. It's essential to allow the blood to flow naturally after the finger prick and gently touch the collection area of the test strip or device to the droplet of blood without applying pressure. This ensures that the sample is pure and uncontaminated, providing more accurate cholesterol level measurements.
7. Following proper technique and handling instructions meticulously can help to enhance the reliability of the home cholesterol test results.

Should I still get a cholesterol test with the doctor?

While home cholesterol tests can give you a general idea of your cholesterol levels, they may not be as reliable as tests conducted by your doctor and anaylsed in a laboratory. For precise results and to confirm any abnormalities that you detect with home cholesterol testing, it's essential to consult with a doctor or medical professional and undergo laboratory testing on a venous blood sample ( ie taken from a vein using a syringe) from time to time. This way you can monitor how accurate your home cholesterol measurements are, and receive guidance from the doctor on the best way to manage your cholesterol.

If you're considering using a home cholesterol test, it's always a good idea to follow the instructions carefully and discuss the results with your GP or doctor for appropriate interpretation and guidance until you become familar with managing your cholesterol levels at home.

Need help with your home cholesterol testing

It's worth mentioning that Valuemed has compiled a series of videos to guide users through the process of using each of our home cholesterol tests and obtaining a good blood sample from a finger prick. These instructional videos can be incredibly helpful for ensuring that you perform the test correctly, from properly preparing the testing area to conducting the finger prick and collecting the blood sample without squeezing.

By following these step-by-step instructions provided in the videos, you can feel more confident in their ability to perform the home cholesterol screening test accurately and obtain reliable results. These resources can be especially beneficial for those who are new to home cholesterol testing or may have concerns about performing the finger prick blood test correctly.

Need further help with home cholesterol testing

We hope you have found this information helpful. If you need any help or advice purchasing a home cholesterol test kit or using any of the meters that we have supplied to you, please contact our customer support team. 

They are available by chat, telephone and email support available Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm.

You may also find our home cholesterol testing FAQ's at the bottom of the cholesterol test kits section of website helpful