Cholesterol
Why This Cholesterol Test Matters
This venous cholesterol blood test measures key markers, including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and non‑HDL cholesterol, to provide a clear picture of your heart health risk. It is carried out by a visiting nurse and analysed in UK laboratories that follow strict quality and accreditation standards, similar to those used in NHS settings.
Discover Your Cholesterol Levels at Home –
Before It’s Too Late
Imagine waking up to a heart scare that could have been prevented.
High cholesterol is a silent threat – no symptoms, no warnings – until it leads to heart disease, strokes, or worse. But you don’t have to live in uncertainty. Our at-home cholesterol blood test gives you the clarity and control to protect your health, with a nurse visiting you on your schedule.
Why Wait?
Thousands of busy Brits like you have already taken this simple step to safeguard their future. Get your results in days and start making changes that count.
The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Blood – And Why It Matters to You
You need cholesterol for healthy cells, hormones, and energy. But too much “bad” cholesterol (LDL) builds up silently, narrowing arteries and raising your risk of heart attacks or strokes. “Good” cholesterol (HDL) fights back by clearing it out – but without testing, you won’t know if your levels are out of balance.
The scary part? Your body makes 80% of your cholesterol, and the rest comes from diet. Factors like family history, poor eating habits, smoking, or inactivity can tip the scales – often without a single sign. If you’re over 40, carrying extra weight, or have a family history of heart issues, this could be affecting you right now.
Don’t let “what if” become “if only.” A quick blood test reveals your risks and empowers you to act – potentially adding years to your life.
Is High Cholesterol Sneaking Up on You? Common Triggers to Watch For
High cholesterol doesn’t discriminate – it can be genetic (such as Familial Hypercholesterolaemia) or due to lifestyle choices. Ask yourself:
- Do you eat fatty foods, drink regularly, or skip exercise?
- Are you overweight, diabetic, or dealing with high blood pressure?
- Does heart disease run in your family?
Without symptoms, it’s easy to ignore – until a health crisis hits. But knowledge is power. Our test spots issues early, so you can make simple changes and avoid regrets.
Your Easy Path to Lower Cholesterol – And Lasting Peace of Mind
The good news? You can turn things around. Start with:
- Diet Tweaks: Swap saturated fats for heart-healthy options – think more fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.
- Daily Movement: Just 30 minutes of walking 5x a week can boost your “good” HDL.
- Lifestyle Shifts: Quit smoking, cut back on alcohol (under 14 units/week), and shed excess weight.
- Medical Support: If needed, your GP can add meds – but testing first gives you the full picture.
Our customers report feeling more in control:
“This test was a wake-up call – I lowered my levels in months!” – Sarah T., London.
Overcome Your Doubts – We’re Here to Help
- Worried About Accuracy? Our venous draws and accredited labs ensure gold-standard results – trusted by 10,000+ customers.
- Is It Worth It? Early detection can prevent costly health issues – think of it as investing in your future.
- Too Busy? Home visits fit your life – no travel, no waiting rooms.
- Privacy Concerns? All data is secure and confidential.
Ready to take control? Don’t leave your health to chance.
Testing For High Cholesterol
If you’re worried about your cholesterol or heart health, this test is particularly useful if you:
- Are over 40 and have not had your cholesterol checked recently.
- Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or are overweight.
- Smoke, or have done so for many years.
- Have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease or stroke.
- Are already on treatment such as statins and want to monitor your levels.
- Have had an abnormal cholesterol result in the past and need a follow‑up check.
High cholesterol often has no symptoms, so a blood test is the only reliable way to know your levels and discuss any changes with a healthcare professional.
How Often Should I Have a Cholesterol Blood Test?
Most people benefit from checking their cholesterol at least once a year, especially if they have risk factors for heart disease. If you have high cholesterol and make changes to your diet, lifestyle, or medication, it is sensible to repeat the test after around three months to see how your levels are responding.
Can I Use These Results With My GP?
Your results report is designed to be shared with your GP or specialist. It shows your cholesterol levels clearly so you can discuss whether any further tests, treatment, or follow‑up are needed.
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Other Questions
- Regularly eating high saturated fat foods
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of high cholesterol
- Inactive lifestyle
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet
- Diet lacking in fruit and vegetables
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Drinking excess alcohol regularly
- Having Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
This blood test is to check on:
- Cholesterol levels
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test.
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 1-2 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Cholesterol
Your liver makes cholesterol and can be found in many foods you eat such as dairy, meats and fish.
There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from foods we eat (such as dairy, meat, oils) or made by our liver. Any excess calories your body doesn’t need straight away is converted into Triglycerides and stored in your fat cells to be used when needed for energy.
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)
LDL is known as the bad cholesterol, as it can block up our blood vessels causing them to narrow. Sometimes a clot can form and get stuck in these narrow vessels leading to a heart attack.
Non-HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol is your total cholesterol minus your HDL. The higher the number of the Non-HDL cholesterol may be indicative that you could be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)
HDL is known as the good cholesterol as it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL are associated with lower risk of heart disease.
What This Cholesterol Blood Test Includes
This cholesterol blood test gives you a detailed picture of your lipid profile, so you can understand your heart health risk and track changes over time.
- Total cholesterol – your overall cholesterol level.
- HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) – helps remove excess cholesterol from your blood.
- LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) – higher levels are linked with an increased risk of heart disease.
- Non‑HDL cholesterol – all the cholesterol in your blood that can raise your risk.
- Triglycerides – a type of blood fat that can also affect your heart health.
Your results report explains each marker clearly and highlights if any levels fall outside the recommended range, so you can decide on next steps with a healthcare professional.
Evidence Behind Our Cholesterol Testing
Our approach to cholesterol testing is aligned with UK lipid guidelines and modern laboratory standards, so your results are suitable for long-term heart health management.
- Standard lipid profile: National guidance recommends a full lipid profile including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, non‑HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular risk over time.
(Source: NICE lipid management recommendations, NHS lipid profile requesting guidance) - Non‑fasting venous samples: Current UK practice usually accepts non‑fasting venous samples for most lipid profiles, with fasting reserved for specific situations such as very high triglycerides or particular clinical questions.
(Source: NHS lipid management pathway, NICE NG238 lipid guidance) - Venous sampling as the laboratory standard: Venous blood collection is the reference method used by hospital and accredited private laboratories for lipid testing, providing sufficient volume and consistent sample quality for accurate analysis and repeat testing if needed.
(Source: venous lipid profile test description, venous blood collection guideline) - Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories and covers everything from sample handling to result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your lipid results are reliable and reproducible.
(Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation, RCPath ISO 15189 overview)
These guidelines and standards shape how we design our cholesterol tests, choose venous blood collection, and partner with UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited laboratories, so your results are produced to the same quality benchmarks used for decision‑making in NHS hospital care.
Preparing for Your Cholesterol Blood Test
For most people, a cholesterol blood test can be done without any special preparation. Your nurse will advise you if fasting is recommended based on the type of test and your medical history.
- Follow any fasting advice given – if you are asked to fast, only drink water for the specified time before your test.
- Take your usual medicines – unless your doctor or nurse tells you to do something different.
- Avoid heavy alcohol intake – try not to drink heavily in the 24 hours before your test.
- Bring any previous results – if you have had cholesterol tests before, it can help to compare changes over time.
If you are unsure about fasting or medication before your test, ask your nurse or GP for personalised advice.
How it Works
Read about Fingerprick VS Venous blood sample 
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
Cholesterol Blood Test FAQs
Do I need to fast before my cholesterol blood test?
Fasting is not always required for a cholesterol blood test, but in some cases, your healthcare professional may recommend it. If you are advised to fast, you will usually be asked to have only water for a set period before your appointment, and your nurse will confirm any specific instructions in advance.
Is an at-home nurse-led cholesterol test as accurate as a hospital test?
Yes, accuracy is comparable because your sample is taken from a vein by a trained professional and processed in quality-controlled laboratories, similar to those used in hospital and NHS settings. The key factors for reliable results are venous sampling, correct handling, and accredited lab analysis, which this service is designed to provide.
How long will my cholesterol blood test appointment take?
The cholesterol blood test itself usually takes only a few minutes. Your nurse appointment is typically scheduled for a brief visit to confirm your details, answer a few questions, and collect the sample safely and comfortably at your chosen location.
When will I get my cholesterol test results?
Cholesterol test results are usually available within a few working days after your sample reaches the laboratory. You will receive a digital report as soon as the analysis is complete, so you can review your results and discuss next steps with a healthcare professional.
What is the difference between total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol?
Total cholesterol is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away. In contrast, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol include types that can build up in your arteries, which is why higher levels of these are linked with an increased risk of heart and circulation problems.
What cholesterol levels are considered high?
Whether a cholesterol level is considered “high” depends on the marker being measured and your individual risk factors, such as age, blood pressure, smoking status, and medical history. Your report will show the laboratory's reference ranges, but only a healthcare professional who knows your overall health can advise you on what your numbers mean for you personally.
How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
Many adults benefit from having their cholesterol checked at least every few years, and more often if they have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a strong family history of heart disease. Your doctor or nurse may suggest more frequent testing if you are on treatment or making lifestyle changes to improve your levels.
Will this test tell me my risk of a heart attack or stroke?
Your cholesterol results are one important part of understanding your risk of heart attack or stroke, but they do not provide a full risk assessment on their own. A clinician will usually consider your cholesterol alongside other factors such as blood pressure, age, smoking status, and medical history when discussing your overall cardiovascular risk.
Can I use these cholesterol results with my NHS or private GP?
Yes, your cholesterol report is designed to be shared with your NHS or private GP. Bringing a copy of your results to your appointment can help your clinician decide whether you need any further tests, treatment, or follow-up based on your cholesterol levels and overall health.
What can I do if my cholesterol is high after the test?
If your cholesterol is high, it is important to discuss your results with a healthcare professional, who may recommend changes to your diet, activity levels, or medication. They can also advise how often you should repeat the test to monitor your response and support you in managing your long-term heart health.
