Cholesterol is a waxy fat found in your bloodstream. While a certain amount of cholesterol is necessary for health, too much cholesterol, especially too much of the wrong kind of cholesterol, can increase your likelihood of having heart disease and other serious illnesses. While you still need a doctor to help you fully understand and interpret cholesterol test results and what they mean for you as an individual, home cholesterol test kits will allow you to monitor your cholesterol levels on your own.
Step 1
Read the instructions that come with your test kit completely. Note if the manufacturer has provided a telephone number to call if you should have questions. Do not open any of the individual components of the test until the instructions say to do so.
Step 2
Abstain from eating and drinking for the recommended amount of time as specified by the test kit. Most manufacturers will recommend no food or drink for a period of 12 hours before you take the test for best results.
Step 3
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them completely. Relax for a few moments, rubbing your hands to warm them and allowing them to hang down by your side to improve blood flow.
Step 4
Obtain a blood sample. Choose a finger on your non-dominant hand. Clean your finger with the provided alcohol wipe, and allow it to dry. Open the lancet device. Place the lancet device on your finger and press the release, allowing the lancet to pierce your finger. Wipe away the first drop of blood if the instructions tell you to do so. Squeeze your finger if necessary to obtain a sufficient amount of blood.
Step 5
Apply the blood sample to the testing device. Depending on the test you have purchased, you may apply blood directly to the testing device or be provided with a pipette to aid in placing the blood sample. It is essential that you provide a sample of the required size within the time specified by the kit.
Step 6
Wipe any remaining blood from your finger and apply a bandage.
Step 7
Follow the instructions specific to your testing kit for processing. Some tests require you to mail your sample to a laboratory for testing. Some kits will provide a reading automatically after an appropriate length of time has elapsed, while other kits will require you to perform additional steps such as pulling a tab.
Step 8
Read the test results at the time specified by your testing kit. Be sure to note the type of reading you are being given, e.g. total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoproteins) or LDL (low-density lipoproteins).
Step 9
Discuss the results with your doctor as appropriate.
Tips and Warnings
- Using your ring or middle finger for testing is usually less painful than using your index finger or thumb. Apply the lancet toward the side of the pad of the tip of your finger rather than in the middle of the pad. Avoid using a finger with heavy calluses. If you have health insurance, it may cover cholesterol testing ordered by your doctor, but it probably will not cover the cost of home testing.
- Never reuse a lancet or use a lancet that has been used by another individual. Never use a test kit that is beyond its expiration date.
Things You'll Need
- Home cholesterol testing kit
- Bandage
- Timer
