The 3 Most Accurate Home Cholesterol Test Kits That Are Easy to Use
Keep track of your levels at home!
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If your cholesterol is high, or if you’re trying to maintain a healthy level, the more you know the better. Using a home cholesterol test kit is a great way to keep track of your numbers in between doctor visits.
Are All Home Cholesterol Tests Accurate?
Home cholesterol tests are more accurate and convenient than ever before. In fact, WebMD claims over-the-counter cholesterol tests are 95 percent accurate. While that isn’t as accurate as your doctor’s reading (and should never replace doctor-ordered bloodwork), the ease of use and affordability of home tests make them worth the money. They range in price from $50-$300, and come with all the tools you need to quickly check your cholesterol levels. While it can take weeks to learn your ordered test results, home tests can take as little as five minutes to read and report your levels.
Are All Home Cholesterol Test Kits FDA-Approved?
Not all test kits are FDA-approved, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t effective. Only one of the three top tests we’ve reviewed below is FDA-approved (and its price reflects that!). But because home tests aren’t meant to replace doctor-ordered panels, non-FDA-approved tests can be used as a guide, as well as to raise an alarm if your levels were to spike or dip. The FDA recommends that whichever test you choose offers test strips that 1. are not expired and 2. are made in the USA.
Scroll for the best home cholesterol test kits we’ve found that got great reviews.
CURO L7 Professional Grade Lipid Blood Cholesterol Test Home Kit
best fda-approved home cholesterol test kit
$289, Amazon
Why we like it:
- FDA-approved and CRMLN certified
- Tests in 3 minutes
- Comes with 10 test strips and lancets
This FDA-approved, professional-grade home cholesterol test kit works in as little as three minutes, and is a great investment if you’re trying to lower your cholesterol. One drop of blood tests six levels (Total cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL, LDL, LDL/HDL and non-HDL Cholesterols). The instructions are clear and easy-to-follow, but if you need extra support, an 800-number is provided for free assistance. Bonus tip: For best results, reviewers suggest filling the draw tube completely to the line before dispensing on the test strip. When you insert the test strip, make sure that the lid is closed and the power is on.
Promising review: “This works better than the competition — having just one panel-worth of blood means much less sticking, squeezing, and pain. Good results. Saves me a LOT of hassle getting tests at a lab!”
Everlywell Cholesterol and Lipids Test
best mail-in home cholesterol test kit
$49.99, Everlywell
Why we like it:
- Mail-in test with prepaid shipping
- Get personalized results within days
- CLIA-certified (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)
This mail-in home cholesterol kit functions the way other tests do by testing a drop of your blood, and it measures four levels: Total Cholesterol, HDL, Calculated LDL, and Triglycerides. After mailing in your blood sample to a CLIA-certified lab (prepaid shipping is provided), an independent board-certified physician reviews your test and writes a customized report. The results can be viewed on the Everlywell website with your unique kit ID, and can even downloaded to be shared with your physician.
Promising review: “What’s great about this is it is clean, easy, and quick to use. I found that a hot shower first helped get the blood drops flowing and for me and made the process easier. Results arrive quickly and result explanations are very well done, accurate, informative, and offer educational consults if needed.”
CardioChek Analyzer Starter Cholesterol kit with 3 count cholesterol test strips by PTS Panels
best quick-read HOME CHOLESTEROL TEST KIT
$141.99, Amazon
Why we like it:
- Extremely easy to use
- Instant test results
- Measures total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides
There aren’t many bells and whistles with this home cholesterol test kit, but it’s simple to use and works quickly. The starter kit comes with three cholesterol test strips, so you may want to order extras from the same brand ($37.99 for six) so you have plenty to get you started.
Promising review: “I hardly ever do a review but I just had to do one for the CardioCheck Cholesterol Analyzers. I ordered this for my husband who has recently changed his diet and wanted to see if it was effective on bringing down his cholesterol, but he didn’t want to go back to the doctor for this. The best advice we could give is to make sure you read all of the directions thoroughly before you begin so you know what to expect and do. He read the manual several times and worked through the menu on the unit to make sure he knew what to do when doing his test. He did the test this morning and it worked perfectly. We know his readings were correct as we compared them to the readings he had done six months ago by his doctor. Bravo for creating such a great product. We cannot recommend enough!!”
