How Accurate Are At-Home Cholesterol Tests?

Written by: Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD

You've heard about at-home cholesterol tests and may be wondering how accurate they are in comparison to in-lab tests. It's understandable to have some doubts.

While these tests can offer a convenient way to check your cholesterol levels at home, you might not be fully convinced about their reliability. After all, it's your health on the line, and you want to make sure you're getting the most accurate results possible.

What Are At-Home Cholesterol Tests?

Home cholesterol tests are kits that allow you to check your cholesterol levels from the comfort of your home. With these kits, you may not have to visit a hospital or lab for a blood test because they provide the necessary tools to carry out the test yourself. Typically, the kit includes a lancet for pricking your finger, test strips, and sometimes a small device to analyze the results. [1]

Many of these kits measure only total cholesterol, while others can also check levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides, which are a type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease. [1]

These tests work by collecting a small drop of blood from your fingertip, which is then applied to a test strip. [2] Depending on the kit, the results may appear as a color change that you compare to a chart or may be displayed digitally on a small reader. Some test kits may involve sending the blood sample to a lab that performs the test and issues results. [2]

How Accurate Are These Tests?

Home cholesterol test kits may be a convenient way to check your cholesterol levels, but their accuracy isn't always guaranteed. Many factors can affect their reliability, such as improper use, expired test strips, or environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. [3,4] Because of this, if you need highly precise results, you may need to visit a laboratory where professionals use advanced equipment to get a more accurate reading.

That said, the home cholesterol test accuracy also depends on the person using them. If the instructions aren't followed properly, the results may be misleading. This is why it's often recommended to have a trained healthcare professional do the test for you. Our At-Home Cholesterol test comes with detailed instructions on how to administer the test as well as FAQs you might want to know.

Home Cholesterol Test Results vs Lab Tests Results

You may have different test results using at-home test kits and labs. These discrepancies happen for several reasons, ranging from environmental factors to the limitations of home testing kits.

Testing Conditions Matter

Home tests may be influenced by temperature, humidity, and how the blood sample is collected. [4,5] Lab tests, on the other hand, are conducted in a controlled setting, reducing these external influences.

User Error Is Common

Mistakes happen, especially when testing at home. Using expired test strips, not collecting enough blood, or misreading the results can all lead to inaccurate numbers. [6] In contrast, lab tests are handled by trained professionals who follow strict protocols, making errors less likely.

Home Tests May Provide Limited Information

Most home cholesterol kits only measure total cholesterol, while lab tests offer a complete lipid profile, including LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. [1] This additional data gives a more comprehensive picture of your heart health. If your home test results seem off or inconsistent, don't panic. It's best to confirm them with a lab test and consult a healthcare professional. Relying solely on home tests may not give you the full picture, so professional guidance is always a smart choice.

The Benefits of Using Home Cholesterol Tests

While home cholesterol tests may not always match lab results perfectly, they still offer several advantages, making them a useful tool for health monitoring.

• Convenience and Accessibility: Home cholesterol tests let you check your levels at any time without scheduling a lab appointment or waiting for results. This is especially beneficial for people with busy schedules, limited access to healthcare facilities, or mobility issues.
• Regular Monitoring for Better Health Management: If you're actively working to lower your cholesterol through diet, exercise, or medication, home tests can help track your progress between healthcare visits. Regular monitoring allows for quick adjustments to your lifestyle or treatment plan if needed.
• Cost-effectiveness: For individuals without health insurance or those looking to avoid frequent lab fees, home test kits can be a more affordable option. Instead of paying for multiple lab visits, you can check your cholesterol at home and only seek lab testing when necessary.
• Proactive Health Decisions: Knowing your cholesterol levels in real-time can motivate you to make healthier choices. When you see improvements or notice concerning trends, you're more likely to take action before serious health issues develop.

How to Choose a Reliable Home Cholesterol Test Kit

• Look for FDA Approval: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluates and approves medical devices, including cholesterol test kits. [7] Checking whether the kit is FDA-approved ensures it has met certain quality and accuracy standards. You can verify this by looking for FDA approval on the packaging or checking the FDA's database of approved home cholesterol tests.
• Choose a Kit That Measures More Than Just Total Cholesterol: Some home test kits only measure total cholesterol, while others provide a full lipid profile, including LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. If you want a more comprehensive view of your heart health, opt for a test that provides all these readings.
• Consider Whether the Kit Requires Lab Analysis: There are two types of home cholesterol test kits: 1) Instant-read kits, which give results immediately, usually through a color change or digital display. 2) Lab-analyzed kits: These require you to mail your blood sample to a lab for analysis, offering more precise results.
• Read Customer Reviews and Ratings: Before purchasing a test kit, check online reviews from other users. Look for feedback on accuracy, ease of use, and reliability. Kits with consistently high ratings from verified buyers are more likely to be trustworthy.
• Check the Expiration Date: Expired test strips can lead to inaccurate results. Always check the expiration date before purchasing and using a kit to ensure you're getting the most accurate reading possible.
• Compare Pricing and Value: While cost shouldn't be the only deciding factor, extremely cheap test kits may not be as reliable as well-reviewed, FDA-approved options. Compare different brands and their features to find a good balance between affordability and accuracy.
• Follow Up With a Lab Test If Needed: Even if you choose the best home cholesterol test kit, it's still a good idea to confirm your results with a professional lab test, especially if your readings seem abnormal or inconsistent.

Take Control of Your Heart Health with Everlywell

While home cholesterol tests offer a convenient way to monitor your heart health, it's crucial to choose a reliable option. The Everlywell Cholesterol & Lipids Test provides a comprehensive lipid panel, measuring total cholesterol, HDL, calculated LDL, and triglycerides—all from the comfort of your home.

This test involves a simple finger prick sample, which is then analyzed in a CLIA-certified laboratory. Results are physician-reviewed and delivered digitally, accompanied by personalized insights to help you make informed health decisions.

1. Harvard Health. Cholesterol testing at home: It may be faster, but is it better? Harvard Health. Published January 20, 2017. Accessed February 1, 2025. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/cholesterol-testing-at-home-it-may-be-faster-but-is-it-better
2. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Cholesterol. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. Published February 4, 2018. Accessed February 1, 2025 https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/cholesterol
3. Erbach M, Freckmann G, Hinzmann R, Kulzer B, Ziegler R, Heinemann L, Schnell O. Interferences and limitations in blood glucose self-testing: an overview of the current knowledge. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2016;10(5):1161-1168. doi:10.1177/1932296816641433.
4. Crimmins EM, Zhang YS, Kim JK, et al. Dried blood spots: effects of less than optimal collection, shipping time, heat, and humidity.Am J Hum Biol. 2020;32(5):e23390. doi:10.1002/ajhb.23390.
5. Obermeyer Z, Pope D. Variation in common laboratory test results caused by ambient temperature.Med (N Y).2021;2(12):1314-1326.e2. doi:10.1016/j.medj.2021.11.003.
6. Nichols JH. Blood glucose testing in the hospital: error sources and risk management.J Diabetes Sci Technol.2011;5(1):173-177. doi:10.1177/193229681100500124.
7. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Home use tests. U.S. Food And Drug Administration.Published June 21, 2022. Accessed February 1, 2025.https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics/home-use-tests