What is the Total Cholesterol Test?

The Total Cholesterol test measures the overall amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance essential for hormone production, cell membranes and vitamin D synthesis.

Total cholesterol includes all major cholesterol fractions combined, primarily low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). While cholesterol is necessary for normal bodily function, elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

This test is commonly used as part of routine health screening and cardiovascular risk assessment.

Why do I need a test for Total Cholesterol?

You may need this test to evaluate your risk of heart disease and stroke, particularly if you have risk factors such as family history, high blood pressure or diabetes. High cholesterol typically causes no symptoms and may remain undetected without testing.

Measuring total cholesterol supports early identification of lipid imbalance and guides decisions around lifestyle changes or further testing.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Routine cardiovascular screening
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes or metabolic syndrome
• Overweight or obesity
• Smoking history
• Monitoring lipid-lowering therapy
• Preventive health assessment

Benefits of the Total Cholesterol Test

• Provides a general lipid overview
  Offers a snapshot of overall cholesterol levels.
• Supports cardiovascular risk assessment
  Helps identify increased heart disease risk.
• Useful for routine health screening
  Commonly included in standard blood tests.
• Guides need for further lipid testing
  Indicates when a full lipid profile is required.
• Supports early prevention strategies
  Enables lifestyle modification before complications arise.
• Tracks changes over time
  Useful for monitoring trends in cholesterol levels.
• Simple and widely available test
  Requires only a standard blood sample.
• Clinically established marker
  Used worldwide in preventive medicine.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for total cholesterol levels.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Your Results Explained

Low Levels

Low total cholesterol is uncommon and may be associated with malnutrition, chronic illness or certain metabolic conditions.
Clinical correlation is required to determine significance.

Normal Levels

Normal total cholesterol levels suggest balanced lipid metabolism.
This is generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk.

High Levels

Elevated total cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.
Further breakdown into LDL and HDL cholesterol is usually recommended.

Typical UK reference range:

• Desirable: below 5.0 mmol/L