Did you know that you can check your cholesterol levels at home, two days before you see your doctor? Just like a diabetic can check their blood sugar levels at home, you can now check your cholesterol levels too. But how reliable are these? Is this something that is right for you? Let's talk about this today.
What is a cholesterol home test kit?
Simply put, this is a convenient and efficient kit that allows you to check your cholesterol levels at home without having to go to a doctor. Imagine that you are someone who is trying to control your cholesterol following the doctor's advice. So instead of going to the lab every three to four months and waiting for days for the report, with a kit like this, you can always get a rough idea of your status. Also, it only takes a few minutes to get the results.
But it's important to remember that this is not a replacement for the lab tests your doctor prescribes . It should only be used as an additional tool.
How do you use this test kit?
You can buy a test kit like this from a Sri Lankan pharmacy or medical supply store. Typically, this kit includes a small needle (lancet) to obtain a drop of blood and a special strip (test strip) to hold the drop of blood.
The way to use this is very simple:
1. Preparing the finger: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them. Then, thoroughly clean the tip of the finger from which you want to draw blood with the alcohol swab provided in the kit.
2. Taking a drop of blood: Now use the lancet to make a small puncture on your fingertip. Don't worry, this won't hurt much. Just squeeze a little and get a drop of blood.
3. Testing: Next, place the drop of blood on the test strip. The special chemicals in these test strips cause it to change color within a few minutes.
4. Viewing the results: Finally, all you have to do is compare the color of the test strip with the color guide that comes with the kit. You can find out what your blood cholesterol level is based on that color.
Additionally, some new test kits come with a small electronic meter. Similar to a glucose meter for diabetes, when you insert a test strip into the meter, it displays the cholesterol level in a number. The kit with this electronic meter is a bit more expensive than the color-testing kit. But it's a lot easier if you need to check your cholesterol regularly.
What do the results of this test really mean?
Here's the important thing: Your cholesterol level is just one part of the equation your doctor uses to determine your risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years.
Think of it like you can't tell if a car is running well just by looking at the fuel gauge on the dashboard. You have to look at many things, like the sound of the engine, the air in the tires, the oil level, etc. In the same way, cholesterol is just one thing.
A doctor will assess your overall risk along with many other factors.
| The factor that determines risk | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Age and gender | The risk varies with age and gender. |
| HDL (good) cholesterol level | Just like total cholesterol, good cholesterol levels are also very important. |
| Blood Pressure | We also check your blood pressure level and whether you are taking medication for it. |
| Diabetes | Whether or not you have diabetes is a major risk factor. |
| Smoking | If you smoke, your risk of heart disease increases significantly. |
Your doctor will take all of these factors into account and give you the right advice. In addition to a healthy lifestyle and diet, he or she may also recommend starting a medication like a statin to lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in your blood.
How reliable are the results of this test?
This is also a problem for many people. The reliability of these home tests varies. It can vary depending on the manufacturer (brand). Although many test kits state that they are more than 95% accurate, we should only consider these results as an approximation .
The most important thing is, never consider this at-home test as a substitute for a complete lipid profile test performed by your doctor.
Even if your home test results are always normal, it is important to attend clinics and get tested according to the schedule your doctor has prescribed. This is because your doctor will consider many things, including your weight, information from your physical exam, and your family's medical history, in addition to your cholesterol level.
How do you choose these test kits?
In countries like the US, these are regulated by the FDA. In our country, when you buy a test kit like this from a pharmacy, it is wisest to choose a product from a trusted, reputable company (brand). Sometimes there may be kits that can separately check not only total cholesterol, but also things like HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
If you're not sure what kind of kit to choose, the best thing to do is ask your family doctor about it and see if he or she has a type that they recommend. Then you can use it with more confidence.
Take-Home Message
- A home cholesterol test kit is something that is used to monitor your cholesterol levels between two days of seeing a doctor, not for diagnosis.
- The results obtained from this are rough values and may not be 100 percent accurate as a test performed in a lab.
- Your risk of heart disease is not determined based on just one factor, cholesterol. Your doctor will consider many factors, such as your age, blood pressure, and diabetes status.
- Never stop taking your doctor's prescribed medication or change the dosage based solely on the results of a home test. Discuss anything with your doctor.
- When purchasing a test kit, choose a trusted, reputable brand. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
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