Test done at home
GetTested’s Cholesterol test kit
It is important to keep track of the levels of cholesterol in the body and specifically to have a good balance between LDL and HDL. Many people have high levels of cholesterol without being aware of it. Especially men above the age of 35 and women above the age of 45 suffer from this.
GetTested offers a simple cholesterol home test kit that will give you insights into your cholesterol levels and the balance between LDL and HDL, also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, and ‘good’ cholesterol.
Learn More about Cholesterol:
Below we will go deeper into the following sections:
- About Cholesterol
- HDL and LDL Cholesterol
- The Balance of Cholesterol
- What the Cholesterol Test measures
- FAQ
- Not Sure This Test is for You?
1. About Cholesterol
Cholesterol is found in all cells, and is a substance the body needs to build cells, hormones, vitamins (like vitamin D) and other substances to help you digest foods. It is naturally produced in the liver, but you can also absorb it through food.
Cholesterol is needed both as a building block for our steroid hormones and as a constituent in our cell walls, as well as in the production of bile acid. The brain’s cells also need large amounts of cholesterol.
If the body receives too little cholesterol, the cell division suffers.
Cholesterol is transported in the blood in so-called lipoproteins which are the transport particles of fats. High levels of LDL cholesterol (also known as “bad cholesterol”) can cause health problems such as high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. This is because the excessive cholesterol can combine with other substances in the blood, where it will form into plaque. This plaque sticks to the walls of the arteries. Too much plaque can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, which in the worst cases can cause a stroke or a heart attack.
2. HDL and LDL Cholesterol
Because cholesterol is a fat-soluble substance by itself, it needs to be packed into so-called carrier proteins in order to be transported in the blood and get to all the cells in the body. These carrier proteins are called lipoproteins. There are two types of these lipoproteins: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). These two have different functions and different transportation purposes in the body.
Something that they both have in common is their water-soluble exterior and fat-soluble interior. LDL protein is released from the liver and carries cholesterol and triglycerides to the cells while HDL proteins instead transport cholesterol from tissues to the liver.
HDL cholesterol is thought of as the ‘good’ cholesterol. A healthy level of HDL can possibly protect you against a stroke or a heart attack.
On the other hand, LDL cholesterol is considered as ‘bad’ cholesterol because it contributes to the buildup of fatty plaque that causes atherosclerosis, which in turn can create a higher risk of a stroke or heart attack.
3. The balance of Cholesterol
There used to be a lot of talk about the good and the bad cholesterol found in various “good” and “bad” foods. However, nowadays there is more focus on the balance between HDL and LDL. If you analyse cholesterol, it is the so-called total cholesterol that is measured, i.e. both HDL and LDL levels. If you have high levels of LDL (especially in relation to HDL levels), the risk of suffering from heart and vascular diseases increases. The more LDL you have in your body, the greater the risk that the LDL becomes sticky and sticks to the inside of the walls of blood vessels (the so-called plaque) and causes inflammation. Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause atherosclerosis and can eventually cause cardiovascular disease.
Normal cholesterol levels
A normal adult range of HDL Cholesterol is 35 to 65 mg/dL for men and 35 to 80 mg/dL for women.
Most healthcare providers would agree a ratio below 5:1 is good, and a ratio below 3.5:1 is considered very good.
Triglyceride and Cholesterol
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat. They provide the body with energy and store the unused calories.High levels of triglyceride are just as dangerous as high levels of Cholesterol. A high level of triglycerides combined with high LDL or low HDL is linked with the fatty build up of plaque in the artery walls.
4. What the Cholesterol Test measures
With this test you get answers to the following values:
- Cholesterol (total)
- LDL cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL / HDL ratio
- Triglycerides
5. FAQ
What are considered good levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol?
Ideally, your HDL levels should be high (somewhere above 60), whereas your LDL levels should be lower (below 100). Your cholesterol numbers as a total should be below 200. A ratio below 5:1 is considered good.
Who should test for cholesterol?
Anyone can benefit from a cholesterol test, but especially those who are particularly at risk of higher cholesterol levels such as men above the age of 35 and women above the age of 45.
Why test for cholesterol?
Cholesterol can cause serious damage to the body and is often the cause of strokes and heart attacks. Most people don’t know that their cholesterol levels are too high, which is why it is important to get it checked.
How to lower cholesterol?
Adopt a low-cholesterol diet including vegetables, high-fibre foods (like beans, broccoli), whole grains, fruit and nuts. Avoid unhealthy foods such as red meat, full-fat dairy, baked goods, sweets, and fried foods.
What are high cholesterol symptoms?
People with high cholesterol levels usually don’t experience any symptoms, which is why it is a hidden risk factor. Often it is discovered too late, which is why it is so important to check your cholesterol level.
When should I take the test?
It is recommended to take the test on an empty stomach in the morning. This way your level has not been influenced by the time of day or intake of food and you can get a better understanding of your cholesterol levels.
How long does it take until I get my results?
You will receive your result digitally as soon as your blood sample has been analysed by the lab. This should take about a week.
6. Not Sure This Test is for You?
If you’re still uncertain whether this test is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable customer support team. We’re here to guide you towards the tests that best match your health concerns and objectives. You can contact us through our contact page or use our live chat for immediate assistance.
Before you start, you need to register your test. Your test kit contains a sticker with your unique test ID. Register your test ID at 
Wash your hands in hot water for about a minute. This will increase blood circulation in your fingers. Dry your hands. Doing a blood test without stimulating blood circulation might prove difficult, so please do not skip this step.
Disinfect your “test finger” with the supplied disinfectant paper. Wait a few seconds until the finger is completely dry.
Rotate the protective cover on the blood lancet to remove it. Use the extra lancet if you need to do another finger prick.
Place your hand on a flat surface. Put the lancet diagonally toward the test finger and press down the button. Make sure the lancet is pressed against the finger the whole time.
We recommend that you stand up at this stage to let the blood in your arm flow downward. Help the blood drops come out by massaging the finger toward the needle stick.
Transfer the blood drops into the test tube until the blood reaches the marked line. If it doesn’t reach the marked line, there won’t be enough blood for the lab to test. Please contact us if you have any trouble.
Place the sticker with your unique test ID on the test tube. Place the test tube inside the transport tube and seal.
Put the tubes in the enclosed envelope and send it to the lab the same day, preferably a Monday or Tuesday.
Adrian Dumitru –
Did this test last week, really simple to use. Got my results sooner than I expected, and it showed my cholesterol levels were a bit high. Not super happy about the results, but it’s definitely a nudge to make some changes in my diet and exercise routine.
Ezra –
I’ve been struggling with health issues for a while, and I had suspicions that high cholesterol might be a problem. I was reluctant to book a doctor’s appointment due to the pandemic, so when I found this Cholesterol Test from GetTested, I thought it was worth a try. The instructions were clear, and the process was not difficult at all. The test results were easy to understand and confirmed my suspicions. Now I can take appropriate action towards a healthier lifestyle. I’m very satisfied with this purchase.
Lila –
I’ve always been health-conscious, but with the hustle and bustle of daily life, I often found it challenging to schedule regular health checks. However, when my friend was diagnosed with high cholesterol at a relatively young age, it became a wake-up call. I stumbled upon GetTested’s Cholesterol Test while looking for home-based testing solutions. From ordering to receiving the results, the experience was seamless. The kit arrived in discreet packaging, ensuring privacy. The clear instructions meant that even someone as squeamish as me could easily draw a sample. Once dispatched, I received my results faster than expected. What stood out was the detailed breakdown of the cholesterol components. It wasn’t just a plain number on a page. The insights were comprehensive, diving deep into HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. It provided a clearer picture of where I stood and what I needed to focus on. Equipped with this detailed data, I’ve since revamped my diet and incorporated exercises specifically to manage cholesterol. Moreover, having these figures on hand during my last doctor’s appointment enriched our conversation, enabling a more personalized health strategy. The convenience and efficiency of GetTested’s Cholesterol Test cannot be overstated. It bridges the gap between our busy lives and the essential health checks we often push to the background. A five-star experience! 🙂 🙂
Virgil –
It was easier than going to a clinic. Would use again.
Chloe Sizwe <3 –
I’d been hearing a lot about the importance of keeping an eye on cholesterol levels, especially as you get older. So, I decided to give this test a try. The whole process was really simple, just followed the instructions and then sent it back. Was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I got the results. They showed that my cholesterol levels are slightly elevated, which has made me realize that I need to take my diet and exercise more seriously. It’s one thing to hear about the risks of high cholesterol, but seeing it on paper makes it much more real. Time to cut back on the unhealthy foods and get moving more! 🙂
Ravi Bains –
Got quick results with this test. Nice customer sevice, helped me with how I should go on with the results. thanks!
Clara –
High cholesterol silently runs in my family, often catching us off-guard. Regular checks are a must, but hospital visits during these times are daunting. Discovering GetTested’s Cholesterol Test was a game-changer. The well-packaged kit with its lucid instructions made the process a breeze. Within a week, I was looking at detailed results. The delineation between the types of cholesterol was particularly insightful. It gave me clarity on areas of concern and potential diet adjustments. Since using this test, I’ve been more in tune with my health. It’s become my go-to for regular checks. The convenience and precision it offers are unmatched. Highly recommended!
Drew –
Definitely a useful test. Made me reevaluate my lifestyle. 🙂
Samuel –
When my GP suggested keeping an eye on cholesterol levels, I dreaded the routine of clinic visits. Enter GetTested’s Cholesterol Test – a perfect solution for the modern age. The kit arrived swiftly, with everything needed to take a sample. The process was intuitive, and sending it back was hassle-free. The detailed results were an added bonus, offering clarity on HDL and LDL levels. 🙂 This test has provided both insights and peace of mind. For those who value health but are strapped for time, it’s a brilliant innovation.
Felicity Moore –
Quick, convenient, and precise. The GetTested Cholesterol Test revolutionizes how we track and maintain our health from home. A must-have!
Anish –
Effortless process. Detailed results. 🙂
Alexander :) –
Navigating the minefield of health can be daunting, especially with conditions that don’t always showcase overt symptoms – like high cholesterol. Having a family history of heart-related problems, I was always on the alert. But, let’s be honest, regular check-ups can be cumbersome, time-consuming, and sometimes quite expensive. That’s when I came across the GetTested Cholesterol Test online. The kit was a revelation. From the beginning, it championed user-friendliness. The packaging was neat, professional, and the instructions inside were laid out with impeccable clarity. Taking the sample was easy, and the process to send it back was just as smooth. Within days, I had comprehensive insights into my cholesterol levels. The test not only gauged the total cholesterol but broke it down into HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Armed with these insights, I felt empowered. There’s a unique peace of mind that comes from knowledge. I was now in a better position to discuss with my doctor, tailor my diet, and even adjust my exercise routine. A shout-out to their customer service too! I had some queries about the results, and they responded promptly, offering clarity. The entire journey, from buying the kit to understanding the results, felt like a partnership with GetTested. In our fast-paced lives, such home-based tests are not just a luxury, but a necessity. They cut down the middle processes and deliver what we truly need – knowledge about our health. I recommend the GetTested Cholesterol Test to everyone. It’s simple, reliable, and might just be the wake-up call you need.