In the 1990′s, testing for cholesterol became more accessible and convenient for many people by the use of home test kits. When used correctly, these test kits can be an accurate, affordable, and time convenient way of monitoring cardiovascular health in people who have not progressed to late stages of disease.

Types of home cholesterol tests.

There are currently two main types of home testing kits available. The first is a chemical type test, in which blood from a pricked finger is placed on a strip or pad. These are the lowest cost, and only provide information about your total cholesterol levels. Several hybrids of this type do exist which allow you to mail a sample to a laboratory for further analysis of HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides.

The second type is a reusable electronic gage with a digital readout. These provide information about HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. They may also be combined with blood glucose meters and other types of blood tests. Digital home test kits tend to be much more expensive, starting over $100 dollars.

When to Use a Home Cholesterol Test-Kit.

These kits were not designed to replace conventional testing performed by medical experts, especially as the sample size is usually insufficient to assess critical factors in those individuals who require ongoing attention. Nor do they provide the needed medical advice to effectively treat ongoing heart health concerns.

When used correctly, precisely according to the instructions of the device, home test kits can provide reasonable data about the status of cardiovascular health for individuals not currently suffering from critical stages of heart disease or disorders. The ongoing data provided by regular assessments of blood cholesterol levels can be useful in determining the probability for future complications, and the necessity to take further corrective actions.