Cholesterol Testing

Cholesterol plays an important part in our body’s function. It is a white waxy substance required to build cell structures of membranes, make hormones like oestrogen, testosterone and adrenal hormones, help your metabolism work efficiently, produce bile acids and it is essential in the production of Vitamin D.

Cholesterol is produced by the liver. We also consume cholesterol when we eat certain foods, mainly eggs and animal products such as meat and full fat dairy.

High cholesterol causes problems because as the cholesterol is transferred around our body in the blood, having too much cholesterol causes some to get stuck on the walls of blood vessels causing them to narrow and harden, therefore increasing the risk of heart disease.

Lifestyle changes can help to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level. Keeping physically active, reducing alcohol intake and avoiding saturated and trans fats can help to keep your cholesterol in check.

A cholesterol test is very similar to a blood glucose test. A small sample of blood is taken from a finger prick and applied to a test strip which is then inserted into a small diagnostic device. It takes 2-3 minutes to analyse the results and will give you an accurate reading of your current cholesterol level.

The following UFS Pharmacies can undertake a cholesterol test for you: