While often called “single-use” strip kits, don’t be confused—many kits contain multiple testing strips, but each strip can only be used once. You might, for example, find a kit that contains enough single-use strips for 4 individual cholesterol tests. If you’re buying a kit online, choose one that’s approved by the FDA (in the U. S. ) or similar government agency where you live. If you just want to test your cholesterol out of curiosity or only occasionally, this may be the right option for you. If you plan to test your cholesterol more frequently—due, for example, to your doctor’s recommendation—a digital readout tester may be a better choice.
Read the product instructions carefully, especially for using the lancet pen. Talk to your pharmacist if you need additional help. The lancets themselves look a bit like large sewing needles, but few if any test kids use lancets that aren’t pre-loaded into individual pens. Lancet pens are much easier to use than loose lancets, so always choose a kit that contains pre-loaded pens.
Do not re-use lancet pens. Throw the pen away after a single use. You’ll feel a bit of pain when the lancet pricks your finger, but it will only last for a few seconds.
Squeezing your finger (or “milking” your finger) to push out blood may mess up your test results. If you aren’t getting any blood flow, try again with a new lancet on a different finger. If that still doesn’t work, have a medical professional conduct your test. Be sure to securely dispose of any tissues or other materials that get your blood on them. Consider double-bagging them for extra safety.
Remember to be patient! Assessing a color-coded test strip too early or too late could give you an incorrect result.
For example, a deep crimson color might correspond to a cholesterol range of 180-200 mg/dl. Assuming that the test is accurate and you’ve done it correctly, your total cholesterol is within this range. Color-coded strip kits don’t give you a specific cholesterol number.
No matter your result, your best option is to share the information with your doctor. “mg/dl” refers to milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. The higher your mg/dl is, the more susceptible you are to developing blockages in your arteries.
A digital tester is a good choice if, for instance, you need to keep an eye on your readings because you have a history of high cholesterol. Digital readout testers are available at pharmacies and online retailers. Always choose a kit that’s approved by the FDA (in the U. S. ) or similar government agency where you live.
Take a good look at both the pen and the product instructions so you’re sure how to use the lancet correctly. If you need further guidance, talk to your pharmacist. It is extremely unlikely that you’ll find a kit that uses lancets that aren’t pre-loaded into pens (if so, they’ll look a little like sewing needles). If you do have such a kit, definitely get instructions on how to use it properly from your pharmacist or physician—or buy a different kit!
Never re-use a lancet pen. Throw it away and use a new pen the next time you (or someone else) wants to do a cholesterol test. Your fingertip is a sensitive area, so pricking it with the lancet will hurt a little—but only for a few seconds.
Don’t “milk” your finger by squeezing it in order to force out blood that doesn’t want to flow onto the test strip. Doing this can throw off your results. Try with a different finger and, if that doesn’t work, have the test done by a medical professional. Your fingertip will likely stop bleeding on its own within seconds. Use safe blood handling procedures when doing the test. Above all, make sure that the blood only goes onto the test strip and that any blood-tainted items go straight into the trash.
It should only take a few seconds for the meter to analyze your sample.
Generally speaking, the “healthy” range for the average adult is as follows: Total cholesterol: 125 to 200 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter of blood). Non-HDL: less than 130 mg/dl. LDL: less than 100 mg/dl. LDL cholesterol is “bad” because it tends to end up collecting in your arteries and can cause blockages. HDL: 40 mg/dl or higher (men); 50 mg/dl or higher (women). HDL cholesterol is “good” because it helps to clear LDL from your body. Your healthy range may be different based on a wide range of factors. It’s always best to discuss your results and any concerns with your doctor.
Even if your test results are in the healthy range, consider calling your doctor’s office and sharing your results. It’s never a bad idea to let a professional interpret your results!
You may need to fast (refrain from eating) for up to 12 hours before your in-office test. Confirm this with the office beforehand. If this is the case, schedule your test in the morning so you can do most of your fasting time while you’re asleep!
Eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and fewer foods containing added sugars and unhealthy fats. Doing 150+ minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, as well as 2+ strength training sessions per week. Quitting smoking and cutting back on your alcohol intake. Taking statins or other medications that can help reduce cholesterol levels.
Your doctor will likely monitor your cholesterol levels with regular in-office testing to find out if they’re improving.
