Heart Health High Cholesterol Treatment The 6 Best Cholesterol Test Kits of 2021 Stay on top of your health with these at-home products By Alena Hall Alena Hall LinkedIn Alena is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. She writes about fitness and health products across the Verywell brands. Learn about our editorial process and Danielle Zoellner Danielle Zoellner LinkedIn Twitter Danielle Zoellner is a freelance writer with an emphasis in health and wellness. She graduated from the University of Missouri at Columbia. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 17, 2021 Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall on August 02, 2020 LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Medically reviewed by Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI Medically reviewed by Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI on August 09, 2021 Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI, is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and lipidologist. Dr. Ali is also an award-winning writer. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. You can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Healthy cholesterol levels are a key component of cardiovascular wellness. The American Heart Association recommends getting tested every four to six years beginning at age 20—a blood lipid panel includes your total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides. If you have cardiovascular disease or elevated risk, you may need more frequent testing. After age 40, your doctor would recommend testing based on your calculated risk of having a heart attack or stroke. These regular check-ins can guide your doctor's assessment of whether you need to make lifestyle adjustments or take medication to keep your blood cholesterol within a healthy range. “Cholesterol testing today requires complex interpretation, where results help determine if medications ought to be started," says Dr. J.D. Zipkin, Chief Medical Officer at GoHealth Urgent Care. "Patients should use at-home cholesterol test kits in conjunction with a medical evaluation and recommendation." At-home testing kits can be handy for people diagnosed with high cholesterol who may want to test their blood more frequently. While home cholesterol testing should not be used as a replacement for the comprehensive diagnostics provided by your physician, it can be an addition to a proactive health regimen. We researched dozens of cholesterol test kits and evaluated them for reviews, test types, result speeds, types of cholesterol measured, accuracy, and price. Each of the products chosen in this article were determined to be the best of these factors. Here are the best at-home cholesterol test kits that you can use in-between visits with your doctor. Our Top Picks Best Overall: CardioChek Analyzer Starter Cholesterol Kit at Amazon A simple, cost-effective, and accurate blood cholesterol monitoring system. Most User-Friendly: KPI Blood Total Cholesterol Test Kit at Amazon An intuitively designed meter paired with smart test strips, making for quick and effective testing. Most Comprehensive Home Kit: SDBIO Lipid Blood Cholesterol Test Home Kit at Amazon Analyzes your full blood lipid panel with just one sample on one test strip. Best Budget Test: SELFCheck Cholesterol Test Kit at Vivomed.com Accurately reports your total cholesterol in a matter of three minutes for less than $20. Most Comprehensive Mail-In Kit: Choose Health Cholesterol & Internal Health Test at Amazon An easy, non-intrusive way to learn how your lifestyle is impacting your long-term health. Most Comprehensive: CardioChek Blood Testing Device at Amazon Results take about three to five minutes, and the device will store the most recent 30 for easy review. Best Overall: CardioChek Analyzer Starter Cholesterol Kit with 3 Count Cholesterol Test Strips by PTS Panels View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Easy to use Can analyze multiple types of cholesterol Cons Separate test strips are required for each stat analysis Pricey This cholesterol testing kit makes it easy to monitor your blood cholesterol no matter where you are. It comes with the electronic analyzer, test strips for total cholesterol, test strips for HDL, test strips for triglycerides, lancets, and capillary rods. When used properly, the meter produces accurate readings that you can rely on between doctor appointments. This meter functions similarly to a blood glucose meter. You simply place a droplet of blood on a test strip, insert the test strip into the electronic meter, and review your results in as little as 90 seconds. The device is user-friendly, and the test strip refills are very reasonably priced and much less expensive than requesting additional lab work at your doctor’s office. Test Type: Test strips and electronic analyzer | Type of Cholesterol Measured: Total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides | Result Speed: 90 seconds Most User-Friendly: KPI Blood Total Cholesterol Test Kit Curo L5 Digital Meter View On Amazon Pros Comes with smart test strips that draw your sample into the blood inlet via capillary action Testing is quick and accurate Budget-friendly Cons Only comes with 10 cholesterol testing strips; others must be purchased separately The Curo L5 has an intuitive design that makes it simple and easy to use. The test strips quickly and effectively draw your sample into the blood inlet via capillary action, making it easier to provide the correct sample size the first time around and receive accurate testing results. With the right test strips, it can measure your total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. This kit comes with 10 total cholesterol testing strips—the others must be purchased separately. The device shares your test results within two minutes. It’s also compatible with Curo blood glucose testing strips should you want to monitor your blood sugar as well. And it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can feel good about the initial investment. Test Type: Test strips and electronic analyzer | Type of Cholesterol Measured: Total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides; Also compatible with blood glucose strips | Result Speed: Two minutes Most Comprehensive Home Kit: SDBIO CURO L7 Professional Grade Lipid Blood Cholesterol Test Home Kit View On Amazon Pros Provides your full blood lipid panel (6 data points) on one strip with just one blood sample Pro level electronic monitor is sleek and compact, ideal for traveling Cons Limited 1-year warranty High cost compared to similar electronic analyzers Another electronic monitor, the Curo L7 cholesterol test kit, provides the best range of cholesterol test options. It reports six data points with just one blood sample—total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, LDL/HDL, non-HDL, and triglycerides. It uses profile cholesterol test strips that are capable of reporting your entire blood lipid panel instead of requiring a different type of test strip for every type of cholesterol. The monitor itself is sleek and compact, making it an ideal choice for folks who travel a lot or seem to always be on the move. The kit comes with the meter, 10 profile testing strips, lancets, capillary rods, and a one-year warranty. Test Type: Test strips and electronic analyzer | Type of Cholesterol Measured: Full blood lipid panel: total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, LDL/HDL, non-HDL, and triglycerides | Result Speed: Three minutes The 6 Best Pulse Oximeters of 2021 Best Budget Test: SELFCheck Cholesterol Test Kit View On Vivomed.com Pros Budget-friendly price and easy to use Provides results quickly in under 5 minutes Cons Can incur user error with manual analysis Results limited to 5 mmol/L range In the realm of more basic, manual cholesterol testing kits, SELFCheck is a great option. This single-use test can report your total cholesterol in a matter of three minutes. It’s simple to use, known for its accuracy, and it can provide a helpful data point for people who recently began keeping track of their blood cholesterol. The packet contains a test card, a lancet, and a plaster. It’s ideal for adults over the age of 40 seeking a clear indicator of their current cardiovascular health so they can be more proactive with medical interventions that will get them on track and help them stay there. If the test produces a result outside of the 5 mmol/L range, consult with your doctor for a full blood lipid panel and their advice on how to better manage your blood cholesterol. Test Type: Manual cholesterol test | Type of Cholesterol Measured: Total cholesterol | Result Speed: 3 minutes The 6 Best Blood Pressure Monitors of 2021 Most Comprehensive Mail-In Kit: Choose Health 6-in-1 Health Test Cholesterol & Lipids Test Kit View On Amazon View On Choosehealth.io Pros Results available for review on the Choose Health app Provides additional stats for cardio and general health Cons Results are more delayed than other options with mail-in style test Higher cost per test If you want access to important details about your blood cholesterol and other important components of cardiovascular health all in one test, this mail-in kit is your best bet. A single blood sample returns a cholesterol analysis, including HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. It also provides your average blood sugar reading, tests for insulin resistance (an important marker for diabetes), measures your visceral fat, and analyzes your body’s current levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. Basically, this test helps you learn how your lifestyle is impacting your long-term health, which can help you determine whether you need to make any significant lifestyle changes. After you submit your finger-prick blood sample via the pre-paid envelope, your results will be available for review on the Choose Health app within seven days. Test Type: Mail-in kit | Type of Cholesterol Measured: HDL, LDL, and triglycerides as well as blood sugar reading, tests for insulin resistance, visceral fat, and current inflammation levels and oxidative stress | Result Speed: Within seven days Insulin Resistance Is Impaired Glucose Tolerance Most Comprehensive: CardioChek Blood Testing Device Kit View On Amazon Pros Results come back quickly in 3 to 5 minutes The device will store the most recent 30 results for convenient comparison Simple and user-friendly device Cons Higher cost for device and accessory combination Doesn’t analyze full lipid panel The CardioCheck Blood Testing Device is the perfect combination of simplicity and utility, allowing users to test total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides using only two buttons. It’s also useful for testing for diabetes and other diseases. Unlike the CardioChek Cholesterol Analyzer, the device’s true value comes into play when you consider what’s included: 18 lancets and capillary tubes, and six test strips for each of the three lipids CardioCheck screens. Results take about three to five minutes, and the device will store the most recent 30 for easy review. Test Type: Test strips and electronic analyzer | Type of Cholesterol Measured: Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides | Result Speed: Three to five minutes Expert Insight “People with risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure, smokers, people with diabetes, those who lead a sedentary lifestyle), a family history of stroke/heart disease, those with a high BMI, and people who have a family history of diabetes” can most benefit from at-home cholesterol test kits. —Chun Tang, M.D., from Pall Mall Medical, a private healthcare provider in the UK Final Verdict If you’re looking for a way to monitor your blood cholesterol levels frequently and accurately between doctor visits without spending an arm and a leg on test strips, you can’t beat the CardioChek Analyzer Cholesterol Kit (view at Amazon). But if the price isn’t a factor for you, our experts say splurge a little on the Curo L7 Meter (view at Amazon) instead so you can access your full blood lipid panel. Manual tests are usually the cheaper option, but they provide far less information. What to Look for in a Cholesterol Test Kit FDA Approval: Only a handful of over-the-counter home cholesterol test kits have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration. These tests are considered almost as accurate as the tests conducted at a doctor’s office and sent to a laboratory for evaluation when users follow the instructions correctly. Our experts recommend looking for the “FDA Approved” label to ensure that your home results are truly informative and worth the expense. Test Type: There are three types of at-home cholesterol test kits. You can use an electronic monitor similar to a glucometer to analyze your blood sample.You can use test strips to read visually by comparing them with a color change chart.You can send your blood sample to a lab and wait to receive your results via mail or email. Decide which type of test best suits your needs to narrow down your options easily and effectively. Type of Cholesterol Measured: All at-home cholesterol test kits measure total cholesterol, and the more advanced options provide HDL and triglycerides readings as well. Only one of the FDA-approved cholesterol test kits also measures LDL. Pay close attention to what each test measures if you’re in need of a more comprehensive analysis, and expect higher price tags on the tests that provide more measurements. Frequently Asked Questions Are cholesterol test kits accurate? Accuracy and reliability vary from test kit to test kit, but there are good at-home testing kits available with reliable and reproducible results. “Home testing kits rely on a variety of technologies to determine cholesterol levels,” says Spencer Kroll, M.D., PhD FNLA, Board Certified Internal Medicine Specialist and Director of the Northeast Lipid Association. “As a result, some are more reliable than others. Traditional commercial laboratory testing of cholesterol requires centrifuging your collected blood and extracting the cholesterol containing proteins from the resulting blood serum. This blood centrifuging can’t be done at home. But alternative methods for measuring whole blood, although less reliable, can provide a good estimate of the blood cholesterol components."He adds that for more accurate results, cholesterol testing requires 12 hour fasting that must also be done for an at-home test. How often do you need to check your cholesterol? How often you need to check your cholesterol depends on your risk for heart disease. “The normal recommendation is for low risk people to check their cholesterol for screening purposes every five years,” says Dr. Kroll. “But heart disease is the number one killer of Americans and therefore there are lots of people with increased risk as well as millions of Americans with familial heart disease patterns. In the case of someone with increased risk, testing, which could be done by at-home cholesterol tests should be done every year."Dr. Kroll says that if there are significant weight changes, significant dietary changes or the introduction of new medications, at-home testing could be done every three months. Any significant change in at home cholesterol levels should be confirmed by a commercial laboratory, he adds. Why Trust Verywell Health? As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a product intended for medical use. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life. Additional reporting to this story by Jennifer Nied As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to start a diet to better manage your cholesterol? Changing lifelong eating habits can be scary at first, but our guide will make it easier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 1 Source Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American Heart Association. How to Get Your Cholesterol Tested. Updated November 9, 2020. Additional Reading Lopez-Jimenez F. Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate?. Mayo Clinic Expert Answers.