Cholesterol screening test: Things you need to know!

Gone are those days when you had to wait for hours to get your injured arm treated or get your screening tests done. But, today, you don’t need to get a prior appointment from the doctor or wait in the long queue for non-life-threatening conditions. All thanks to a walk-in clinic!

Apart from this, visiting an emergency room is more expensive than an urgent care center. This is why, if your health condition is non-life-threatening, it’s advisable to choose an urgent care clinic over an emergency room and primary healthcare center. And most walk-in clinics also have screening tests facility. So, if you’re considering getting cholesterol screen tests, choose an urgent care clinic.

However, before you dive into the cholesterol screening test procedure, it is important to know everything about it. This includes how to prepare yourself for the test, whether you are the right candidate for it or not, and what to expect before, during and after the test.

When is the right time to have a cholesterol test?

People of age 20 or above can get a cholesterol test done every five years. However, the following are the people who need a cholesterol test more often, including:

• A woman above 50.
  
• A man above 45.
  
• If someone has cholesterol more than 200.
  
• A person with low HDL, which means the “good” cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL for males or less than 50 m/dL for females.
  
• People who are obese or have high blood pressure or any other condition have a higher risk of high cholesterol.
  

How to prepare for a cholesterol test?

Yes, you need to prepare yourself for a cholesterol test. To do this, you shouldn’t eat and drink anything at least nine hours before the screening test. And avoid taking medication until your doctor asks you. In case, you eat medicines before your screening test, it may affect the results.

Which is the right place to have a cholesterol test?

As recommended by the American Heart Association, it is better to have the screening test at your doctor’s office. However, you can also get your test done at a diagnostic center or at a hospital. By choosing your doctor’s office for the cholesterol test, you’ll have the peace of mind by knowing:

• The test is performed by an experienced and qualified person.
  
• The resulting reports are accurate.
  
• The follow-up care after the test is personalized depending on your needs.
  

Hopefully, now you know whether you’re the right candidate for the screening test or not. And if you’re eligible to have a cholesterol screening test, you know how to prepare yourself and where to go. Want to have a cholesterol screening test? Contact the best urgent care clinic in your area.