Private cholesterol test,
Harley Street, London.
A full lipid profile (total, HDL, LDL and triglycerides) as part of a wider health check, reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor at 134 Harley Street. No GP referral needed.
Quick answer
A cholesterol blood test, or lipid profile, measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol. At WMG Health the lipid profile is part of the General Wellness panel (£279), which also checks blood count, iron, vitamins, thyroid, liver, kidney and HbA1c. For cholesterol alone, a doctor can build a custom panel and confirm the price in writing.
What the numbers mean
These NHS figures are a guide for healthy adults. The right target for you depends on your age and other risk factors, so your doctor reads them with the rest of your results.
| Measure | NHS guide | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Below 5 mmol/L | All the cholesterol in your blood. |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Below 4 mmol/L | Total cholesterol minus HDL: all the cholesterol carried by the types that can build up in artery walls. |
| HDL cholesterol | Above 1.0 mmol/L (men), above 1.2 mmol/L (women) | The type that helps clear cholesterol from the blood, so higher is better. |
LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are reported on your results with the laboratory range. A cholesterol result is information, not a diagnosis. Source: NHS: cholesterol levels.
How to get your cholesterol tested here
The lipid profile is included in the General Wellness panel (£279), a general health check that also covers the blood count, iron stores, vitamins D and B12, folate, thyroid function, inflammation, liver and kidney function, zinc and HbA1c. If you want cholesterol on its own, ask for a custom panel; a doctor confirms the markers and price in writing before you book.
General Wellness needs a fast of at least 12 hours (water is fine) because of its iron studies and triglycerides, and a morning appointment between 8am and 10am is preferred. The NHS says eating beforehand does not make much difference to cholesterol levels, but follow the instructions for the panel you book. Results are released as each marker is reviewed, and we confirm the expected timeframe at booking.
Not sure whether you need a test? Read our guide to the cholesterol and cardiovascular check, or see private health screening for the wider programmes.
Cholesterol test questions
What does a private cholesterol test include?
A lipid profile reports total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol. At WMG Health the lipid profile is part of the General Wellness panel, alongside a blood count, iron studies, vitamins, thyroid function, liver and kidney function, HbA1c and inflammation markers.
Can I have a cholesterol test on its own?
Yes, as part of a custom panel. A GMC-registered doctor confirms the markers and the price in writing before you book.
Do I need to fast for a cholesterol test?
The NHS says whether you have eaten before the test does not make much difference to cholesterol levels. The General Wellness panel still needs a fast of at least 12 hours (water is fine) because of its iron studies and triglycerides, so follow the instructions for the panel you book.
What is a good cholesterol level?
The NHS gives these as a guide for healthy adults: total cholesterol below 5 mmol/L, non-HDL cholesterol below 4 mmol/L, and HDL above 1.0 mmol/L in men or 1.2 mmol/L in women. The right target for you depends on your age and other risk factors, and your GP combines your results with factors such as blood pressure to estimate your cardiovascular risk.
What if my cholesterol is high?
The reviewing doctor explains the result and whether to see your GP. Do not start or stop a cholesterol-lowering medicine because of a private result: speak to your GP, who can look at your overall risk and arrange treatment and follow-up.
How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
The NHS Health Check includes a cholesterol test every five years for people aged 40 to 74. A more frequent check can be reasonable with a family history, previously raised cholesterol, lipid-lowering treatment, or after a major lifestyle change.
Ready to book?
Reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor at 134 Harley Street. No referral needed.
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