Cholesterol Blood Test
Cholesterol Blood Test at Home. Check your total, HDL and LDL cholesterol at home with a nurse‑led venous blood test analysed in UK labs.
fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test
Book online
Choose date & time that suits you
Nurse visits you
At home or your preferred location
Lab analysis
UK accredited laboratory
Results delivered
Secure digital report in 1–2 days
Why take this test?
Your cholesterol doesn’t give warning signs — until it matters.
Even if you feel healthy, cholesterol imbalances can quietly increase your risk of heart disease over time. This test gives you a clear, detailed picture of your cardiovascular health, so you’re not left guessing.
Whether you have a family history or simply want to stay in control, this is a smart step towards protecting your long-term health.
- Understand your cholesterol profile in detail
- Identify hidden risk early — before symptoms appear
- Take a proactive approach to heart health
Professional blood draw included — accurate, reliable results you can trust.
This test is recommended if you:
What does it test?
Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL
Triglycerides (blood fats linked to energy storage)
Cholesterol balance (TC/HDL ratio, HDL % of total)
Cardiovascular risk (non-HDL cholesterol)
How to Prepare
For most people, a cholesterol blood test can be done without any special preparation. Your nurse will advise you if fasting is recommended based on the type of test and your medical history.
Follow any fasting advice given – if you are asked to fast, only drink water for the specified time before your test. Take your usual medicines – unless your doctor or nurse tells you to do something different. Avoid heavy alcohol intake – try not to drink heavily in the 24 hours before your test. Bring any previous results – if you have had cholesterol tests before, it can help to compare changes over time.
If you are unsure about fasting or medication before your test, ask your nurse or GP for personalised advice.
How it Works
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
You’re then given instructions on calling the team to book a date and time for a nurse, so they can take your blood sample at your home, workplace or clinic.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
Clinical Evidence
Standard lipid profile: National guidance recommends a full lipid profile including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, non‑HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular risk over time.
Source: NICE lipid management recommendations, NHS lipid profile requesting guidance
Non‑fasting venous samples: Current UK practice usually accepts non‑fasting venous samples for most lipid profiles, with fasting reserved for specific situations such as very high triglycerides or particular clinical questions.
Source: NHS lipid management pathway, NICE NG238 lipid guidance
Venous sampling as the laboratory standard: Venous blood collection is the reference method used by hospital and accredited private laboratories for lipid testing, providing sufficient volume and consistent sample quality for accurate analysis and repeat testing if needed.
Source: venous lipid profile test description, venous blood collection guideline
Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories and covers everything from sample handling to result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your lipid results are reliable and reproducible.
Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation, RCPath ISO 15189 overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast before my cholesterol blood test?
Fasting is not always required for a cholesterol blood test, but in some cases, your healthcare professional may recommend it. If you are advised to fast, you will usually be asked to have only water for a set period before your appointment, and your nurse will confirm any specific instructions in advance.
Is an at-home nurse-led cholesterol test as accurate as a hospital test?
Yes, accuracy is comparable because your sample is taken from a vein by a trained professional and processed in quality-controlled laboratories, similar to those used in hospital and NHS settings. The key factors for reliable results are venous sampling, correct handling, and accredited lab analysis, which this service is designed to provide.
How long will my cholesterol blood test appointment take?
The cholesterol blood test itself usually takes only a few minutes. Your nurse appointment is typically scheduled for a brief visit to confirm your details, answer a few questions, and collect the sample safely and comfortably at your chosen location.
When will I get my cholesterol test results?
Cholesterol test results are usually available within a few working days after your sample reaches the laboratory. You will receive a digital report as soon as the analysis is complete, so you can review your results and discuss next steps with a healthcare professional.
What is the difference between total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol?
Total cholesterol is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away. In contrast, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol include types that can build up in your arteries, which is why higher levels of these are linked with an increased risk of heart and circulation problems.
What cholesterol levels are considered high?
Whether a cholesterol level is considered “high” depends on the marker being measured and your individual risk factors, such as age, blood pressure, smoking status, and medical history. Your report will show the laboratory's reference ranges, but only a healthcare professional who knows your overall health can advise you on what your numbers mean for you personally.
How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
Many adults benefit from having their cholesterol checked at least every few years, and more often if they have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a strong family history of heart disease. Your doctor or nurse may suggest more frequent testing if you are on treatment or making lifestyle changes to improve your levels.
Will this test tell me my risk of a heart attack or stroke?
Your cholesterol results are one important part of understanding your risk of heart attack or stroke, but they do not provide a full risk assessment on their own. A clinician will usually consider your cholesterol alongside other factors such as blood pressure, age, smoking status, and medical history when discussing your overall cardiovascular risk.
Can I use these cholesterol results with my NHS or private GP?
Yes, your cholesterol report is designed to be shared with your NHS or private GP. Bringing a copy of your results to your appointment can help your clinician decide whether you need any further tests, treatment, or follow-up based on your cholesterol levels and overall health.
What can I do if my cholesterol is high after the test?
If your cholesterol is high, it is important to discuss your results with a healthcare professional, who may recommend changes to your diet, activity levels, or medication. They can also advise how often you should repeat the test to monitor your response and support you in managing your long-term heart health.
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