Blood test type
Cholesterol blood test
A cholesterol blood test checks blood fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides to help assess heart and blood vessel risk.
What this test checks
Cholesterol and blood fats
A cholesterol blood test measures fats in your blood that help your GP assess heart and blood vessel risk. Results are interpreted alongside your age, blood pressure, medical history and other risk factors.
- Total cholesterol
- The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. This gives a broad starting point, but it is not interpreted on its own.
- LDL cholesterol
- Often called “bad” cholesterol, LDL can contribute to fatty deposits in blood vessels when levels are raised.
- HDL cholesterol
- Often called “good” cholesterol, HDL helps carry cholesterol away from blood vessels and is part of your risk picture.
- Non-HDL cholesterol
- A useful measure of the cholesterol types most linked with cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides
- Another type of blood fat that can rise with diet, alcohol, diabetes, weight changes or genetic factors.
- Cholesterol ratio
- Compares different cholesterol measures to help your GP understand the balance of blood fats.
- Risk context
- Your GP reviews the numbers alongside symptoms, family history, medication and wider heart-health risk.
Common reasons for testing
When it may be useful
- Heart health risk review
Useful if you want to understand cardiovascular risk alongside age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes risk and family history.
- Family history or previous high cholesterol
Can help follow up inherited risk or previous raised cholesterol results.
- Diabetes, blood pressure or weight concerns
Often checked when other risk factors are present or as part of a wider health screen.
- Monitoring lifestyle or medication changes
Can be repeated to review progress after diet changes, weight loss, exercise or cholesterol treatment.
How to book a cholesterol blood test
Choose the option that fits what you need
Book it as a standalone test through a GP blood test appointment, or as part of the instant blood test + GP review panel at an on-site lab clinic.
Test & Treat: instant blood test + GP review
Cholesterol is included in the instant blood test + GP review panel. Have your tests first, then see your GP with key results ready during the same appointment.
- Cholesterol and triglyceride markers are included in the instant panel
- Instant panel includes blood count, liver, kidney, glucose, cholesterol and inflammation markers
- Tests first, then GP review in the same appointment
- 15-min GP consultation to explain results and advise on next steps
- Available at five London clinics with on-site labs
- Suitable when you want faster doctor-led interpretation
- Available at five London clinics with on-site labs
GP blood test appointment
When you need a specific test, or advice on whether this is the right testFor a standalone cholesterol blood test, or for advice on whether this is the right test for you. Your GP discusses your case and can take your blood sample during the consultation.
- 15-min GP consultation
- Discuss whether a cholesterol test is right for you
- Your GP can take your sample during the appointment if clinically appropriate
- Available at all 11 clinics
- The cholesterol blood test price is not included in the consultation price
Test & Treat: instant blood test + GP review
New patient offerCholesterol is included in the instant blood test + GP review panel. Have your tests first, then see your GP with key results ready during the same appointment.
- Cholesterol and triglyceride markers are included in the instant panel
- Instant panel includes blood count, liver, kidney, glucose, cholesterol and inflammation markers
- Tests first, then GP review in the same appointment
- 15-min GP consultation to explain results and advise on next steps
- Available at five London clinics with on-site labs
- Suitable when you want faster doctor-led interpretation
- Offer for new patients only
- Offer for new patients only
Not sure which blood test route is right?
Book a cholesterol blood test appointment, choose Test & Treat for faster GP-reviewed results, or compare prices for other blood tests.
Our locations
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.
How we maintain clinical quality
Care you can trust
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.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to fast before a cholesterol blood test?
Usually no. Most cholesterol blood tests can be done without fasting. Your GP will let you know if fasting is needed for your situation.
- How quickly will I get my cholesterol blood test results?
If your cholesterol markers are checked as part of Test & Treat at an on-site lab clinic, key results can be reviewed with your GP during the same appointment. For a standalone GP blood test appointment, results are usually reported after the visit and timing can vary by clinic and test route.