Home Cholesterol Checks

• 1
  Lancets are pertinent tools for testing cholesterol levels.medical lancets image by Empath from Fotolia.com
  
  Prepare the lancet for capillary puncture by following manufacturer's directions.
  
  
• 2
  Compact monitors are more convenient than getting blood drawn at the laboratory.diabetic tools monitor image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
  
  Get a testing strip out of the container and insert it into AccuCheck cholesterol testing monitor.
  
  
• 3). Open an alcohol wipe and clean the inside of the middle finger at the end of the digit.
  
  
• 4
  Pressing upward allows blood to fill in the capillaries for a great puncture site.blood testing image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
  
  Using the same thumb on the hand as the finger to be punctured, press upward at the end of the middle finger until it turns red to indicate capillary blood fill.
  
  
• 5). Get the lancet and with the thumb still pressed upward, puncture the end of the finger.
  
  
• 6
  Wiping off the first drop of blood is pertinent for accurate test results.blood donation image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
  
  Take the 2 x 2 gauze and wipe off the first drop of blood. Then, press upward again to gather another drop of blood.
  
  
• 7
  Waiting for the monitor to beep is important for an accurate reading check.diabetic tools image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
  
  Apply the drop of blood to the end of the testing strip and wait for the beep to indicate the monitor is testing the cholesterol level.
  
  
• 8
  Applying the bandage will prevent contamination and stop bleeding.bandage image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com
  
  Apply the bandage to the puncture site.
  
  
• 9
  Recording cholesterol readings are important for possible treatment options.notebook image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
  
  Check the HDL or good cholesterol and LDL or bad cholesterol levels as well as total cholesterol. Then, write this down in your notebook to take to the doctor's office at the next visit.