Lipid Blood Test | Available in Birmingham, Cardiff, Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury

When to get the lipid profile blood test

Because high cholesterol doesn’t tend to cause any obvious symptoms, it is important that you are proactive in getting tests. Your GP might refer you for a test, or you might choose to have one done for your own peace of mind. 

Men have a higher chance of developing high cholesterol but both men and women should consider getting their cholesterol levels tested periodically to monitor them and ensure they are eating a healthy diet. Men over the age of 35 and women over the age of 45 should start getting their cholesterol tested every 5 years, if not more often. You should also check your cholesterol more frequently if you:

• Have been diagnosed with diabetes
• Have a heart disease
• Have had a stroke
• Have high blood pressure
• Are taking medication to control cholesterol
• Have a history of high cholesterol or heart disease in your family
• Are overweight or obese
• Are an excessive smoker
• Drink alcohol frequently
• Lead an inactive lifestyle

How does the lipid profile work?

The lipid profile blood test is carried out in the same way as most other basic blood tests. A small sample of blood is taken from your arm using a needle and vial. This is straightforward and you will only experience a mild scratching sensation when the needle is inserted. Once the required blood is drawn, we will send it to the laboratory to be analysed, and you are free to go back to your day. We will let you know as soon as your results are ready.

We do ask that prior to your test you avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for 9-12 hours. This will help to ensure your test results are accurate and we have the best data possible.

You should also let us know if you are on any medication as certain medications – even some forms of birth control – can influence your lipid profile. We might ask that you stop taking certain medication for a few days before your test if it is safe for you to do so.

Understanding your results

Although there is an average range for any results, your levels will be unique to you. The best understanding of cholesterol comes from frequent testing to monitor levels and make sure LDL cholesterol levels aren’t rising. However, the general ideal results are measured by milligram of cholesterol per decilitre of blood, or mg/dL. Results should roughly be:

• LDL: 70-130 mg/dL or below
• HDL: 40-60 md/dL or above
• Total cholesterol: 200mg/dL or below
• Triglycerides: 10-50 md/dL or below

If your results lie outside of the ideals, you shouldn’t panic. Simple lifestyle and diet changes can help to lower LDL cholesterol and improve general health. You might also feel that further tests may be beneficial to find out if your thyroid is functioning normally or if you have diabetes as these could both be major factors in how your body stores lipids.

If you do have high cholesterol, it can be treated easily with lifestyle and diet changes alongside medication. You can book in a consultation following your test if you are concerned and would like to speak to a doctor. Our consultants can also arrange private prescriptions for you if there is a diagnosis of high cholesterol needing medication.

How much does it cost?

Although we are a private healthcare provider, our priority is you and your health. That’s why we are committed to giving you excellent healthcare at affordable prices. 

Our lipid profile blood test costs £81 and this is carried out by our nurse team.

You do not need a referral to book a test but you can book a follow up private GP consultation if you would like to discuss your lipid profile test results with one of our experienced GPs. (Please note this attracts a separate fee).

Book now

Booking your lipid profile blood test is easy, book online, contact us on [email protected] or call our reception team on 0333 9000 010.

We offer lipid profile blood tests so you can conveniently book around your location and schedule.