General
Cholesterol Check
This test measures your cholesterol levels.
See what is measuredAbout this test
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood which is essential for life. However too much cholesterol can have a serious effect on your health as it increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Monitor your risk with this simple cholesterol test.Cholesterol plays a vital role in every cell in the body and is also to make hormones that are essential for development, growth and reproduction. Cholesterol also forms bile acids that are needed to absorb nutrients from food. A cholesterol test measures the cholesterol that circulates in the blood in particles called lipoproteins. These lipoproteins include HDL ‘good’ particles that carry excess cholesterol away for disposal, and LDL ‘bad’ particles that deposit cholesterol in tissues and organs.Your body produces the cholesterol needed to work properly, but the source for some cholesterol is your diet. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or regularly eat foods high in cholesterol, then your levels can increase. This extra cholesterol in your blood can be deposited in plaques on the walls of blood vessels which can narrow or block them and lead to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This increases your risk of health problems including heart disease and stroke. We've designed this simple cholesterol test to help you manage your risk.
What we measure
Cholesterol
Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your blood.
- Total Cholesterol
- High total cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- LDL
- LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called ‘bad cholesterol’ because it contributes to plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog arteries and make them less flexible.
- HDL
- HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called ‘good cholesterol’ and is protective against atherosclerosis.
- Triglycerides
- The main storage form of fatty acids in the body. Elevated triglyceride levels may contribute to hardening of the arteries, and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.
- Cholesterol Ratio
- A calculation of your HDL cholesterol over your total cholesterol which is used to calculate your likelihood of developing heart disease.
What happens next
- 01
Order your test
Enter your laboratory details and pay securely as a guest. No signup or health quiz is required to order.
- 02
Follow your collection instructions
Preparation and collection vary by test. Follow the instructions provided for your specific test; contact us if anything is unclear.
- 03
Explore your results
View your results privately in your account. You can take the health quiz after ordering and explore clinician support when you need it.
A question before you order?
You can explore the collection without taking the quiz. If you are unsure where to start, we can help you understand the options.