Home medical tests have gained popularity and are an effective tool for evaluating health and gauging progress on medical interventions. Home cholesterol testing offers a low-cost, convenient assessment tool without requiring a trip to the doctor. Home tests can measure total cholesterol or provide a complete lipid panel that includes HDL and LDL levels as well as triglycerides. The tests are safe and reliable and provide results within 10 to 15 minutes. Many people also feel less anxious about home cholesterol tests since they are performed in the privacy of the home and don't require venipuncture.
Reasons for Home Testing
The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends cholesterol testing every five years, or more frequently with existing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Cholesterol values are likely to increase in women at age 50, as menopause approaches. Certain medications such as beta blockers, oral contraceptives, anabolic steroids and even vitamin D can also raise cholesterol levels. For these reasons, it may be necessary to test cholesterol before the five-year mark. Home cholesterol testing also provides a quick cholesterol assessment to gauge progress on medication and behavioral interventions. Medications will reduce cholesterol levels significantly faster than most behavioral interventions. Behavioral interventions such as exercise, weight loss and dietary changes can take a year or more to provide significant results. Therefore, testing cholesterol more frequently than every three to six months is probably unnecessary.
The Pre-Preparation
According to Lab Tests Online, cholesterol levels change during times of illness, acute stress or during pregnancy. A six-week waiting period is recommended following any of the stated conditions. Take some time to decide which kit is appropriate for your needs. Most home cholesterol test kits are inexpensive and simple to use but it is wise to ask your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations on specific test kits. Be sure to read the entire instruction packet prior to use. A complete lipid panel requires a nine- to 12-hour fast; testing total cholesterol and HDL levels can be performed without a fast. Also pay attention to infection control. Skin punctures can introduce viruses and bacteria into the body, but if test preparation procedures are followed as directed, chance of infection is greatly reduced.
Testing Guidelines: Always Follow Test Kit Instructions
If you are unsure of any of the instructions, re-read each section to ensure that you follow the procedures precisely. The optimal testing surface is a clean, warm finger. Start by washing your hands with soap and warm water. Lay out the entire kit in a logical order. If the hands are cold, put under a warm compress for five minutes or so. Also, dropping the hand to your side will provide better blood flow to the finger. Normally the ring finger or middle finger of the non-dominant hand is used for testing. Wipe clean with an alcohol pad and then dry with a sterile piece of gauze.
Follow the instructions on lancet use and, without hesitation, stick the finger. The first drop of blood should be wiped away. This removes any unwanted skin cells and residual alcohol. Drop the hand down, allowing a drop of blood to accumulate, then fill the testing device. Avoid squeezing or milking the finger. Once sufficient blood has been provided, clean the finger with an alcohol swab and cover with a bandage.
Interpreting the Results
Results will appear within 10 to 15 minutes. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program, total cholesterol should be below 200; LDL should be below 130 unless there is a history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. In this case, the goal for LDL is below 100, and some experts are recommending values as low as 70 for high risk individuals. HDL should be above 45. Triglycerides should be less than 150. Another important marker is called "non-HDL cholesterol." This may not be indicated in the results but can easily be calculated by subtracting HDL from the total cholesterol. The non-HDL goal is the same as the LDL goal, plus 30. For example, an acceptable non-HDL for a healthy individual would be 160, derived from 130 plus 30.
Time to Consult a Professional?
Home medical testing is an acceptable means of assessing initial risk and to gauge progress toward a goal, but should not be used as a substitute for medical care. If values are determined to be higher than normal, or planned interventions are proving to be ineffective, consult your healthcare provider to discuss specific cholesterol-lowering solutions. Options may include prescription medication or behavioral interventions such as weight loss, increased physical activity or a TLC Diet. There is significant research demonstrating the benefit of low cholesterol levels.
