SELFCheck Cholesterol Level Test

Buy SELFCheck Cholesterol Level Test Online

The SELFCheck Cholesterol Test can be useful in determining whether you have a high cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of developing arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), strokes and heart attacks.

By detecting a high cholesterol early, you can take appropriate steps to reduce your cholesterol and live a healthier lifestyle.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) which is found in the food we eat and produced by our liver. It is an important molecule which is used by many cells throughout the body to create hormones and a substance called bile, which aids digestion by breaking fats down into fatty acids.

Cholesterol and triglycerides are transported around the body by two lipoproteins.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL):

HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol. It transports cholesterol to the liver to be broken down and removed from the body.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL):

LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. It transports cholesterol to cells which need it.

HDL and LDL are neither "good" or "bad" - they both play key roles in transporting lipids through the bloodstream. LDL cholesterol only becomes an issue where there is an excess amount of it being transported in the blood. This is because the excess lipids can build up to the interior walls of the arteries, potentially causing blockages, increasing blood pressure and contributing to the development of arteriosclerosis.

Who should test their cholesterol levels?

While everyone should be conscious about their cholesterol levels, there are certain groups of people who should monitor their cholesterol levels on a more regular basis, such as:

• People with diabetes
• People with a family history of heart disease
• People over the age of 40

Looking to test your cholesterol at home? SELFCheck's quick and easy-to-use home test kits allow you to check your cholesterol level in just a few minutes. You can buy a SELFCheck Cholesterol Level Test online from Prescription Doctor's trusted UK based pharmacy. All items are dispatched via a discreet, next-day delivery service.

How does the SELFCheck Cholesterol Level Test work?

The SELFCheck Cholesterol Level Test contains an enzyme (cholesterol esterase) which converts the cholesterol it detects. The cholesterol is dyed and presents as a colour. The colour is proportional to the level of cholesterol in your body.

The test looks for cholesterol in a sample of blood. Depending on the amount of cholesterol the test detects, the colour of the test area will change. You can then use the result against the colour comparative chart to determine your cholesterol level.

The test comes with almost everything you need to perform the test at home, including:

• Colour comparative chart
• Desiccant
• Instructions
• Plaster
• Single use lancet
• Test device

You will also need a clean tissue and a watch with a second hand, though these are not supplied with the test kit.

How do I use the SELFCheck Cholesterol Level Test?

Testing your cholesterol level using the SELFCheck Cholesterol Level Test is a straightforward task.

It is important to read the instructions before you perform the test.

Preparation

The cholesterol test should be performed on an empty stomach. Do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before taking the test.

Taking the test first thing in the morning will produce the most accurate results.

The test requires a blood sample which is acquired using a lancet. Before using a lancet, it's important to wash your hands with soap and water. This will reduce the risk of infection.

Make sure you have a tissue and a watch with a second hand nearby before you perform the test.

Performing the test

1.) Remove the test card from the foil pouch and place it on a flat surface. Be cautious when opening the foil pouch which contains the test card. Opening the foil pouch without diligence can result in you accidentally tearing the delicate paper test card inside, thus voiding the test.

Enclosed within the foil pouch is a desiccant (a small white package used to protect the test from humidity) which should be discarded in household waste.

2.) Take out the lancet and inspect it for any damage. The lancet is a small device which is used to puncture the skin in order to draw blood. It has a safety cap over the end and a trigger, which looks like a lever, on the side.

Do not use the lancet if the cap has been removed.

Do not press the trigger (lever) until you are ready to perform the test.

3.) When you are ready to draw blood, remove the safety cap by twisting it in one complete revolution. Be careful not to press the lever while removing the cap. Remove the cap and put it aside.

4.) Press the end of the lancet firmly against the side of your fingertip on your middle finger. Press the trigger to release the lancet. The lancet will pierce your finger. To encourage blood flow, let your arm hang by your side with your finger pointing down.

5.) Wait for a large drop of blood to form. You may need to massage the finger your pricked in order to provide an adequately sized sample.

6.) Once a large drop of blood has formed at the end of your finger, hover your finger over the test area of the test card. Allow the drop of blood to fall off on its own accord. Do not touch the test area with your finger.

7.) Wait exactly 3 minutes for the result to form. Waiting longer or shorter than 3 minutes may result in the result being too high or too low respectively. While waiting, use the tissue on your pierced finger and apply the provided plaster.

8.) Gently peel off the cover of the card - there is a black bar with a white arrow to indicate where to peel the from. As soon as the cover is completely removed, the result indicator will be visible.

Evaluating your result

The colour of the result indicator should be compared with the colour chart within 30 seconds. Taking longer than 30 seconds may result in an inaccurate reading.

Make sure you check the results under a good light source to interpret the colour comparison better.

Move the colour chart until it shows the colour which best matches the colour and intensity of the result indicator. If you cannot find a colour which matches, eliminate the colours which don't match until you are left with only one field.

Once you find the right colour comparison, turn the entire test card over and read the estimated cholesterol level which is displayed in the windows on the rear of the card.

If the result indicator does not turn green or blue, the test is invalid and another test should be performed. An invalid test may occur to a damaged foil packaging, a mistake when performing the test or incorrect storage of the test kit.

Normal cholesterol level

A normal cholesterol level in adults is up to 200mg/dL (5.2mmol/L).

High cholesterol level

A high cholesterol level in adults is above 200mg/dL (5.2mmol/L)

If your cholesterol level appears to be high, contact your doctor for advice.

Tips on lowering your cholesterol

Having a high cholesterol puts you at an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke and arteriosclerosis, which can detrimentally impact your lifestyle.

Choose foods low in saturated fats such as fish, nuts and avocado. If you use butter or lard to cook with, swap to sunflower or olive oil. Sunflower and olive oil contain less saturated fats than palm oil and coconut oil. Make sure to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the day.

Aim for at least 20 minutes of exercise a day, such as running/jogging, cycling, playing a sport or dancing. Exercising helps the body to use the stored fat as a form of energy.

If you drink alcohol, try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink in a week.

Quit smoking if you smoke. A lowered cholesterol level is just one of the many benefits of quitting smoking.

By making changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce your cholesterol, you can also reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

For more personally tailored advice on lowering your cholesterol, speak to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions