How to take an at-home cholesterol test (step by step)

Medical Screen Pro · 6 min read

Taking an at-home cholesterol test is straightforward once you know the flow. This guide walks through it step by step so you can collect a clean sample the first time and get reliable results.

Before you start

Set aside about ten quiet minutes and open your Medical Screen Pro pack on a clean, flat surface. Lay out the lancets, the collection device, the alcohol wipe, and the bandage so everything is within reach. Read the included instructions once through before you begin, and check whether your test asks you to fast beforehand.

• Stay hydrated in the hours before testing, since it can help blood flow.
• Warm hands help, so a little movement or warm water beforehand makes a difference.
• Have your bandage ready before you prick, not after.

Step by step

1. Wash and warm your hands. Use warm water and soap, then dry thoroughly. Warm, clean hands improve blood flow and keep the sample clean.
2. Clean the fingertip. Wipe your chosen fingertip with the alcohol wipe and let it air dry for a few seconds.
3. Prick. Press the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip and activate it. The side of the finger is usually more comfortable than the center.
4. Collect the drops. Let a full drop form, then guide it onto the collection device as the instructions describe. Gently massage from the base of the finger toward the tip if you need more flow. Avoid squeezing hard right at the puncture.
5. Apply the bandage. Once you have collected enough, press a clean spot and apply the bandage.
6. Seal your sample. Follow the packaging steps to close and seal the collection device so it is ready for the lab.
7. Mail it back. Place the sealed sample into the prepaid return mailer and send it off the same day if you can.
8. Get results online. Once the lab processes your sample, your LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride values appear in your secure online account.

After you mail it

Once your sample is on its way, there is nothing more to do but wait for the lab. Processing time depends on shipping and lab turnaround, and you will be notified when your results are ready in your secure online account. When they arrive, you will see LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides laid out clearly. If anything about your sample did not go smoothly, it is better to run a fresh pack than to worry about a reading you are unsure of.

What not to do

• Do not skip warming your hands. Cold hands are the most common reason a sample runs short.
• Do not squeeze the fingertip hard, which can affect the sample.
• Do not reuse a lancet. Use a fresh one if you need a second try.
• Do not let the sealed sample sit for days. Mail it promptly for the best result.

The bottom line

An at-home cholesterol test comes down to a simple sequence: warm and clean your hands, prick, collect a good drop, seal, mail, and read your results online. Take your time and follow the included instructions. Remember that this is a wellness screening tool rather than a diagnosis, so review your results with a qualified healthcare provider who can interpret them for you.