Cholesterol, Whole Blood — Test Strip
A test strip measures cholesterol in a whole-blood sample, providing a quick estimate for screening or monitoring.
["This test provides a quick estimate of blood cholesterol but does not replace a complete lipid panel."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5932-9
- Short code
- Cholest Bld Strip
- Synonyms
- Cholest Bld Strip
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- test-strip
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a point-of-care cholesterol test performed with a strip and a small sample of whole blood. It estimates the amount of cholesterol in the blood at the time of testing.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used to screen for high cholesterol, monitor changes over time, or support decisions about diet, medications, and cardiovascular risk. A standard lipid panel may be needed to measure cholesterol and related fats more completely.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is applied to the test strip, which changes color or produces a displayed result according to the device instructions. The result is usually available within a short time, but home strip results may differ slightly from laboratory results.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided with the strip or given by your healthcare professional. Ask whether you should avoid food and drinks beforehand, and do not interpret the result without considering other information about your health and risk.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher-than-expected result may indicate elevated cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, although it does not identify the cause. A lower result may reflect fasting status, recent medication use, or other temporary factors. An unexpected result should often be confirmed with a standard laboratory lipid panel.
Short name
Whole Blood Cholesterol Strip Test
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a total cholesterol blood test?
Do I need to fast before taking the test?
Can I use this test to decide whether to change my medication?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy