Cholesterol blood test
A private cholesterol and lipid blood test to check key blood fats linked with heart and blood-vessel risk.
Book a GP blood test appointment if you want a cholesterol check interpreted alongside your age, blood pressure, family history and wider cardiovascular risk.
Test options
Cholesterol and lipid blood tests
These cards are here for orientation, so you can see the cholesterol and lipid tests available at DocTap. Whether you already know the test you want or need advice, book a GP blood test appointment; your GP can take your sample and advise if a different option is more suitable.
Glucose
Triglycerides
Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol (Calculated)
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Glucose
Triglycerides
Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol (Calculated)
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol (Calculated)
Non-HDL Cholesterol
From booking to results
Your appointment, step by step
Book online, see a GP, have your sample taken during the appointment and view your results securely in your DocTap account.
- 1Book online in minutesChoose your preferred clinic and time, and select a male or female clinician where available. You will get instant confirmation.
- 2We will tell you how to prepareMost blood tests do not need fasting. If a test needs anything specific beforehand, we will let you know before your appointment.
- 3See a GP and have your sample takenYour appointment includes a 15-minute GP consultation to discuss symptoms, check suitability or advise which test you need. A quick blood sample is then taken from your arm.
- 4Get results and follow-upYou will get a message when your result is ready. Your results and doctor's report will be available securely in your DocTap account; abnormal results are prioritised and your clinician will contact you if urgent action is needed.
What it can show
What a cholesterol test actually measures
A cholesterol result is less about how you feel today and more about future heart and blood vessel risk.
The main cholesterol markers
A lipid profile may include total cholesterol, HDL, non-HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, depending on the test. These markers show different parts of your blood-fat picture rather than one simple “good” or “bad” number.
Why it matters even if you feel well
High cholesterol usually does not cause symptoms on its own. The reason to test is that raised LDL or non-HDL cholesterol can contribute to fatty build-up in blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of heart and circulation problems.
Risk is not one number
Your GP will not look at cholesterol in isolation. Age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes risk, family history, weight, medication and previous results can all change what the same cholesterol result means for you.
When to test
When a cholesterol test is worth doing
It is useful when you want to understand risk, not just tick off another blood marker.
Family history or early heart disease
If close relatives have had heart disease, stroke or very high cholesterol at a young age, testing can help identify whether you may need closer monitoring or a more detailed risk review.
Blood pressure, diabetes or weight concerns
Cholesterol is often checked alongside blood pressure, HbA1c and kidney function because these risks can overlap. Looking at them together gives a more useful picture than checking one marker at a time.
Monitoring lifestyle or medication changes
If you have changed diet, exercise, weight or cholesterol medication, repeat testing can show whether the numbers are moving in the right direction and whether the plan needs adjusting.
Results
Turning cholesterol results into a plan
The most useful question is not “is this high?” but “what should I do with this result?”
LDL, non-HDL and triglycerides mean different things
LDL and non-HDL cholesterol are closely linked with cardiovascular risk, while triglycerides can be affected by diet, alcohol, diabetes and weight changes. If triglycerides are unexpectedly high, your GP may suggest repeating the test or checking related markers.
Fasting is not always needed
Many cholesterol checks do not require fasting, but some lipid tests or very high triglyceride results may need a fasting repeat. If you are unsure, ask before booking or discuss it with your GP.
What may happen next
Your GP may calculate your overall cardiovascular risk, suggest lifestyle changes, check blood pressure or HbA1c, repeat the test, or discuss medication where the risk picture supports it.
Clinical quality
The standards behind every test
The clinical standards behind every DocTap blood test, across our London clinics.
- CQC rated ‘Good’.
- Independently inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
- Fully GMC-registered doctors.
- UK-trained and experienced GPs only.
- Every consultation reviewed.
- Each one is checked for quality and safety, overseen by our Medical Director.
- No sales incentives.
- Our GPs are never paid commissions for tests or treatments.
Ready to book?
Book a GP blood test appointment, or compare prices for other blood tests.
11 locations where we test
DocTap London clinics and on-site laboratories
Canary Wharf
Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.
Hammersmith
Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.
Kings Cross & Euston
Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.
Liverpool Street & Bank
Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
London Bridge
Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Bond Street
Located on Wigmore Street, just off Harley Street, a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station.
Clapham
Located on Clapham High Street, only a 3-minute walk from Clapham Common station.
Old Street
Located off Old Street, a 3-minute walk from Old Street underground station.
Stratford
Located within The Conductor building, a 6-minute walk from Stratford station, or 3 minutes from the Westfield shopping centre.
Swiss Cottage
Only a 3-minute walk from Swiss Cottage station.
Victoria
Situated on Lower Belgrave Street, a 5-minute walk from Victoria rail and underground stations.
Online GP
Speak to a GP by video or phone, wherever you are — no app needed. Ideal for follow-ups and straightforward concerns.