Testing & Results Questions

When I go to the doctor I always have to fast before my cholesterol test. Why don't I have to fast for this test?
It is important to fast for the measurement of certain blood lipids, which are sensitive to the effects of recent dietary intake, particularly triglycerides and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein). The NIH recommendations contained in Adult Treatment Panel III ( ATP III ) state that "A lipoprotein profile involving measurement of triglycerides and the indirect calculation of LDL cholesterol (the common method) requires a 9- to 12-hour fast." These recommendations specifically exclude measurement of total cholesterol such as conducted with the Home Access Instant Cholesterol Test .

Will eating a big meal affect the result?
According to ATP III, the measurement of any lipid is preferably performed with the person in a baseline stable condition, that is, in the absence of acute illnesses including stroke, trauma, surgery, acute infection, weight loss, pregnancy, or recent change in usual diet. The effect of a 'big meal' is difficult to predict without knowing how it relates to the users normal dietary intake, but it would probably be prudent to avoid such a meal just prior to using the test.

How accurate is the test?
The test performance has been reviewed by the FDA and is considered to be 97% accurate when compared to the clinical laboratory methods used by doctors and hospitals.