Home cholesterol tests have become a popular choice for individuals who wish to test their cholesterol levels. There are a wide range of home cholesterol test choices available to consumers. To choose the best one for yourself, you should determine how often you will be testing, what types of information you want to get from the test and whether the home cholesterol test has been approved by a trustworthy medical organization. You might also choose to ask for a recommendation from a medical professional.
There are several types of home cholesterol tests that range from single-use tests to multiple-use tests. If you simply want to do a onetime test of your total cholesterol level, then a single-use test is right for you. To save money, you might buy a pack of multiple single-use tests. If you would like to test specific components of your cholesterol, then multi-use kits are what you should purchase. These tests come in packs containing several tests that might be used on a regular basis.
A multi-use home cholesterol test provides information about total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides. These tests generally are digital and will provide fast, accurate information. If you want to monitor your cholesterol levels over a period of time, this type of test might be the right one for you.
It is a good idea to look for tests that have been certified by a medical authority. This means that the item has been reviewed and the medical organization believes that it is safe for use by consumers. Although this is not a requirement for a home cholesterol test, it can’t hurt to look for a test that has this designation.
Asking your medical professional for a recommendation on home cholesterol tests is another way to find one that is right for you. If your doctor is familiar with your medical history, he or she might be able to recommend several tests that would be best for you and your situation. Some offices might have samples or coupons to save on home cholesterol tests.
Cost is another factor in choosing a home cholesterol test. Single-use tests have the potential to get very expensive if they are bought on a regular basis. Although the initial investment might be more, a multi-use test might be a better choice because it can be used repeatedly.