Are fingerstick cholesterol tests accurate?

Question

Hello,

I just had a fingerstick test done at a health fair, total chol=250. Results were ready in 5 minutes. Non-fasting.

This doesn't seem accurate, as my cholesterol was 179 (real lab test) last time I had my bloodwork done in April 2007. When I had this done in April I had already lost 30 pounds due to changing my diet and eating healthy.

This is now October and I have lost 20 more pounds (total 50lbs since January 2007) and I have still been eating very healthy, high fiber, low saturated fat diet etc.

I was shocked to see 250! Are these fingerstick tests accurate? And even if not accurate, is it possible that it is off by 70-80 points?

Thanks

Answer 1

the test is supposed to predict the cholesterol level but is not 100% accurate. Lab tests are more accurate and more reliable. Go to ur hospital and have a qualitative lab test to clear the doubts u have instead of getting worried about it.

Answer 2

Fingerstick Cholesterol

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Are fingerstick cholesterol tests accurate?
Hello,

I just had a fingerstick test done at a health fair, total chol=250. Results were ready in 5 minutes. Non-fasting.

This doesn't seem accurate, as my cholesterol was 179 (real lab test) last time I had my bloodwork done in April 2007. When I had this done in April I had already...

Answer 4

You see, I agree with you best is the Qualitative and Quantitative of drawing blood from after fasting and have a full lipid profile done.
For emergency purpose I consider it more or less reliable in ICU only that too for glucose (RBS) if a person is unconscious, the rest I follow standard procedure.
I will personally recommend that have your doubts cleared up.
Hope answered your question.