Schedule a blood test with a doctor or clinic
Ask for a lipid panel or lipid profile
Fast for 9 to 12 hours if instructed before the test
Provide a blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm
Review the results for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides
Ask your doctor what the numbers mean for your health
Repeat testing as recommended by your doctor
Use a home cholesterol test kit only if approved by a healthcare professional