Cholesterol Blood Test
- Validated & analysed by NHS Lab
- At-home finger prick test
- Doctor reviewed
- Results in 2 working days
Certified for quality & security
Did you know?
56% of men and 61% of women in the UK have raised cholesterol levels
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, and while our bodies need cholesterol to function properly, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. High cholesterol levels often do not cause any symptoms, so it is important to have them checked through a blood test.
Why is it important to check cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, and while our bodies need cholesterol to function properly, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. High cholesterol levels often do not cause any symptoms, so it is important to have them checked through a blood test.
What does a cholesterol blood test check?
Our cholesterol test checks your:
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein): the “good” cholesterol, responsible for removing excess cholesterol from your arteries.
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein): the “bad” cholesterol, responsible for depositing excess cholesterol on your artery walls, increasing your risk of heart disease.
- HDL Ratio: the percentage of “good” cholesterol in your blood.
- Total cholesterol: the sum of all the cholesterol (good and bad) in your blood.
- Triglycerides: the main type of fat in our bodies. High levels of triglycerides increase your risk of heart disease.
Who is a cholesterol test for?
Anyone can do a cholesterol test at home to check heart health, but you should check your cholesterol levels if you;
- Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
- Are overweight or obese
- Drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes
- Have an inactive lifestyle
Frequently asked questions
This is what our customers ask us most about this test. For more information, try our help centre.
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What causes high cholesterol?
The main causes of high cholesterol in the UK are age, diet, lack of exercise and genetics – with around 40% of a person’s serum cholesterol levels being genetically driven.
High serum cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a really common problem amongst UK adults. In some individuals a gene causes very high levels of cholesterol (Familial Hypercholesterolemia), leading to increased frequency of strokes and heart attacks.
Other factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can also lead to high cholesterol.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney diseases, can also influence cholesterol levels. Lastly, hormonal changes, as seen in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and during menopause, may contribute to elevated cholesterol.
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How can I lower my cholesterol levels?
Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are the most effective ways to reduce your risk of having high cholesterol.
The UK Department for health recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.
Quitting smoking can also help to improve cholesterol levels. Similarly, limiting your alcohol intake can be helpful, too.
If lifestyle changes aren’t working, medication may be an option for you. Chat to your GP about the best options for you.
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What foods cause high cholesterol?
Foods that are rich in saturated fats, these include red meat, full-fat dairy products, and trans fats in processed and fried foods can all cause high cholesterol levels.
Make sure to include plenty of sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts, in your diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are high in soluble fibre which can help lower LDL cholesterol.
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Who is a cholesterol test for?
Anyone can do a cholesterol test at home to check heart health, but you should check your cholesterol levels if you;
- Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
- Are overweight or obese
- Drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes
- Have an inactive lifestyle
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How soon will the test arrive?
If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.
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When will I get my results?
We aim to deliver your results within 2 working days of your blood sample arriving at our lab.
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How secure is my data?
We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.
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Can I have someone take my blood for me?
Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service.
A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample.
The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.
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Does a doctor review my results?
We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.
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Can I download the results to share with my GP?
Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.
We are dedicated to supporting you on improving your health
Recommended by doctors
Dr Thom Phillips
Clinical Lead
BSc. (Hons) MSc. MB BCh. MRCGP. Dip SEM. PGCert (Diabetes)
Renee McGregor
Nutrition Lead
BSc (hons) PGDIP (DIET) PGCERT(sportsnutr) RD BASES
Dr Michael Cornes
Scientific Officer
Consultant clinical scientist, FRCPath, BSc Biochemistry, MSc Clinical Biochemistry, PhD Biochemistry
We’re changing people’s lives
How it works
Getting the insights you need to improve your health has never been easier.
1. Choose your blood test
No need to wait for a GP appointment, choose from our wide range of tests which come with everything you need to take your sample and return to our lab.
2. Collect your sample
Take your finger prick blood sample at home, or choose to have your blood taken at a Superdrug health clinic or a nurse at home. Return to our NHS lab using our prepaid envelope.
3. View your results
View your results on your secure health dashboard within 2 working days of our lab receiving your sample. Read personalised comments from our GPs.
4. Make improvements
With more in-depth results, you will be able to identify areas that need improving. Make the changes and track your progress.
What’s included in this test?
- Blood sample kit
- Royal Mail 1st class postage
- Free return envelope for blood sample
- Discreet packaging
- Accredited lab analysis
- Secure health dashboard
- Doctor reviewed results
- Results within 2 working days
Our impact in numbers...
From hormones to nutrients, we offer 70+ different tests
We’ve helped over 50,000 people gain an understanding of their biological health
We’ve delivered over 550,000 scientific tests
