Can You Test Your Lipids At Home?

Written by: Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD

A lipid profile test is a blood test that measures your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.[1] It helps assess your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.[1] Knowing your numbers allows you to make informed health decisions.

This test is usually done in a lab, where a healthcare professional draws a blood sample. But if you have a busy schedule or prefer convenience, you might wonder if a lipid profile test at home is an option.

Yes, at-home lipid test kits let you check your cholesterol with a simple finger prick. However, their accuracy and reliability vary. This article explores how at-home kits compare to lab tests, how they work, what to expect from the results, and when a professional test may be necessary for more precise readings.

What to Know About Lipid Profile Tests

A lipid profile test is a blood test that measures different types of fats in your bloodstream, including [1]:

• Total cholesterol: The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
• [Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol:](https://www.everlywell.com/blog/cholesterol-and-lipids/ldl-vs-hdl-cholesterol/?srsltid=AfmBOori_dDNk_HKK1fB_lVJPrY_oqphOOFg7lp93WVA4wv8p2YPxC5A) Often called "bad" cholesterol, high levels can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Known as "good" cholesterol, it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• [Triglycerides:](https://www.everlywell.com/blog/cholesterol-and-lipids/what-causes-high-triglycerides-but-normal-cholesterol/?srsltid=AfmBOooC2mv6DzsUghzBAnMjzb3hML4NyZ8PICRYWvAygPvMDd9va1ag) A type of fat stored in the body, high levels of which may increase the risk of heart disease.

This test is essential for assessing your risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. It may help healthcare providers determine whether lifestyle changes or medications are needed to keep your heart healthy.

Lipid profile tests are usually recommended as part of routine health checkups, especially if you have risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.[2] Some people may need to fast for 8–12 hours before the test for the most accurate results.[1]

How Do At-Home Lipid Test Kits Work?

At-home lipid test kits allow you to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels without visiting a lab. These kits typically involve a simple finger-prick blood test and provide results in different ways, depending on the type of kit.

Types of at-home lipid test kits:

• Test Strip Kits: You place a drop of blood on a test strip, which changes color based on your cholesterol level. You then compare it to a color chart to estimate your results.
• Mail-In Lab Kits: You collect a blood sample using a lancet and send it to a laboratory for professional analysis, receiving results online or by mail.

At-Home vs. Lab Tests: How Do They Compare?

Both at-home lipid test kits and lab tests measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but they differ in accuracy, convenience, cost, and comprehensiveness. Here's how they compare.

Accuracy

Lab tests are conducted by trained professionals using advanced equipment, ensuring high accuracy and reliability through strict quality control measures. At-home kits, while convenient, may produce variable results due to factors like improper sample collection or environmental conditions. Some digital analyzers and mail-in kits offer reasonable accuracy, but they may not be as precise as lab tests, particularly for borderline or abnormal readings.

Convenience

Lab tests require a visit to a healthcare facility, scheduling an appointment, and possibly fasting beforehand, with results usually taking a day or more. In contrast, at-home kits provide the flexibility to test anytime without a lab visit. Some offer instant results, while others require mailing the sample to a lab for analysis.

Cost

Lab test prices vary, but many insurance plans cover them if ordered by a healthcare provider. Without insurance, they may be more expensive than at-home kits. At-home kits are generally more affordable, though not always covered by insurance, and mail-in kits may involve additional lab processing fees.

Comprehensiveness

Lab tests measure a full lipid panel, including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and sometimes additional markers like VLDL and cholesterol ratios. At-home kits vary in scope. Some provide only total cholesterol, while others include LDL and HDL.

How to Use an At-Home Lipid Test Kit

While different kits may have slight variations, the general process follows these steps.

• Prepare for the test: Carefully read the instructions, as some kits require fasting for 8–12 hours for accurate results.[1] Wash your hands with warm water to improve blood flow, and gather all necessary materials, including the lancet, test strip, alcohol swab, and collection device if required.
• Collect the blood sample: Clean your fingertip with an alcohol swab, then use the lancet to prick your finger. Gently squeeze your finger to produce a small drop of blood.
• Apply the sample: For test strip kits, place the drop of blood onto the test strip and compare it to the provided chart after the color change. For digital analyzer kits, apply the blood to a test strip, insert it into the analyzer, and wait for the reading. For mail-in kits, collect the sample as instructed, seal it, and mail it to the lab for analysis.
• Interpret the results: Instant-read kits provide immediate results, which should be interpreted using the guide provided. Mail-in kits require waiting for results, which are usually sent via email or an online portal.
• Follow up as needed: If your cholesterol levels are high or abnormal, consult a healthcare provider for further testing or medical advice. If your results are within a healthy range, continue monitoring periodically as recommended.

Understanding Your Results

Once you've completed an at-home lipid test, the next step is interpreting your results. Your lipid profile will typically include four key measurements.[3]

Total cholesterol:

• Normal: Below 200 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 200–239 mg/dL
• High: 240 mg/dL or above

Total cholesterol is a general indicator of heart health, but it's important to look at LDL and HDL levels for a clearer picture.[2]

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – "bad" cholesterol:

• Optimal: Below 100 mg/dL
• Near Optimal: 100–129 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 130–159 mg/dL
• High: 160– 189 mg/L
• Very High: 190 mg/L or above

High LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.[2]

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – "good" cholesterol:

• Low (Increased Risk): Below 40 mg/dL
• Optimal (Heart-Protective): 60 mg/dL or higher

Higher HDL levels help remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.[2]

Triglycerides:

• Normal: Below 150 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 150–199 mg/dL
• High: 200- 499 mg/dL
• Very High: 500 mg/L or above

  Elevated triglycerides, often linked to diet and lifestyle, can contribute to heart disease.[2]

  When Should You Opt for a Lab Test Instead?

  While at-home lipid test kits offer convenience, they are not always the best option. In certain cases, a professional lab test is necessary for more comprehensive results. Here's when you should choose a lab test instead.

  If You Have High Cardiovascular Risk

  Suppose you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.[3] In that case, a lab test provides a more detailed assessment of your cholesterol levels.

  If Your At-Home Test Results Are Inconsistent

  At-home kits can sometimes produce varying results due to factors like improper sample collection or test strip sensitivity. If your numbers fluctuate significantly between tests, a lab test may confirm accuracy.

  If You Need a Full Lipid Panel

  Many at-home kits only measure total cholesterol, HDL, and sometimes LDL, but lab tests provide a more comprehensive breakdown, including [4]:

  • [VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein)](https://www.everlywell.com/blog/cholesterol-and-lipids/what-is-vldl-cholesterol/?srsltid=AfmBOopDxyMttJElUezohmNE66MHu-zkhptc6OGimO1WLbWHkvql7PaN) – another important marker of heart disease risk.
  • Cholesterol Ratios – a more accurate way to assess heart health beyond just individual numbers.

  If Your Healthcare Provider Requires Official Results

  If you're starting cholesterol-lowering medication, your healthcare provider may require lab-verified results to guide treatment decisions.

  Take Control of Your Heart Health with Everlywell

  At-home lipid tests offer a convenient way to monitor your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, helping you stay on top of your heart health. While they may not fully replace lab tests in every scenario, they can be a great tool for regular checkups, especially when using a reliable and accurate test kit.

  If you're looking for an easy, healthcare-provided-approved way to check your cholesterol from home, the Everlywell cholesterol and lipids test kit is a great choice. With a simple finger-prick sample, you can send your test to a certified lab and receive detailed, physician-reviewed results online. No lab visits, no waiting rooms — just clear insights to help you make informed health decisions.

  Order your at-home cholesterol test today.

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  References
  1. Healthdirect Australia. Cholesterol and lipid tests. Accessed February 9, 2025.https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cholesterol-and-lipid-tests
  2. Testing for cholesterol. Cholesterol. Published May 15, 2024. Accessed February 9, 2025.https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/testing/index.html
  3. Lipid panel. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Published December 4, 2020. Accessed February 9, 2025.https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/lipid-panel
  4. Ren R, Grundy SM, Liu J, et al. Long-term coronary heart disease risk associated with very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in Chinese: the results of a 15-year Chinese Multi-Provincial Cohort Study (CMCS).Atherosclerosis.2010;211(1):327-332. doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.02.020. Accessed February 9, 2025.