Advanced cholesterol testing

Get a detailed picture of your cardiovascular health with our simple, accurate service

Everyone has cholesterol, but having too much 'bad' cholesterol can cause problems.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood that's naturally produced in your liver. Your cells use cholesterol to help stay healthy. It's carried around your body by proteins in your blood, and when the cholesterol and proteins combine, they're called "lipoproteins."

There are two main types of lipoproteins, which you might know as 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol:

High-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol): also known as HDL, this takes any leftover cholesterol that you don't need and takes it back to your liver, where it's broken down and passed out of the body.

Non-high-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol): also known as non-HDL, this takes cholesterol from your liver to cells around the body. If you have too much, it can stick to the walls of your arteries and make it harder for blood to flow through, potentially causing blockages.
How our cholesterol-testing service works
Cholesterol is one of the most important markers of your long-term health, and high cholesterol levels often come without symptoms, which is why it's so important to test.

Our cholesterol-testing service is available at selected Well pharmacies for just £59, and involves a comprehensive lipid profile which helps give us (and you!) a detailed picture of your cardiovascular health. It's one of the ways we can help you manage your cholesterol to get peace of mind on your health, help track improvements off the back of lifestyle changes or weight loss medication, as well as helping monitor your health if you have existing conditions. Here's what you can expect from the service:

Full lipid profile

We'll carry out a quick finger-prick test which allows us to collect bood for a full lipid profile.

Speedy results

After we capture the sample, analysis takes around 90 seconds.

Expert advice

One of our trained pharmacists will talk you through your results in detail and advise of any next steps or potential lifestyle changes that could help.

How to get your cholesterol test
You can book an appointment for your cholesterol test online, or simply pop into a participating Well pharmacy at your convenience and request a cholesterol test.
What do your cholesterol results show?
  • Total cholesterol: this shows your total level of cholesterol
  • HDL (good cholesterol): this shows your level of 'good' cholesterol
  • LDL (bad cholesterol): this shows the level of one type of 'bad' cholesterol
  • Triglycerides: shows the amount of triglycerides (the most common type of fat in your body) you have in your blood
  • Total cholesterol/HDL ratio: shows how much 'good' cholesterol you have compared to your total cholesterol level (the lower, the better)
  • "We’re proud to launch our cholesterol screening service across Well Pharmacy, marking another important step in empowering proactive healthcare—supporting early detection, prevention, and better long-term health outcomes for our communities."

    - Mital Thakrar, Head of Private Services

    What is the advanced cholesterol testing service?
    Our advanced cholesterol testing service uses a simple finger-prick blood sample to measure your full lipid profile, including:
  • Total cholesterol
  • HDL ('good') cholesterol
  • LDL ('bad') cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
  • Total cholesterol to HDL ratio


  • These results can help assess your risk of cardiovascular disease and support you in maintaining a healthy heart.
    Who should get a cholesterol test?
    This cholesterol test is ideal for people who:
  • Are aged 40+
  • Have a family history of cholesterol or heart disease
  • Are overweight or living with obesity
  • Have diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Smoke or drink alcohol regularly
  • Want to better understand their cardiovascular health
  • Take weight loss medication (it can help track progress of reduced risk over time)


  • Most people with high cholesterol don't experience any symptoms, so getting tested regularly can help spot issues early.
    Do I need to fast before the cholesterol test?
    No. Fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment, making it quick and convenient to fit around your day.
    How long does the cholesterol test take, and when will I get my results?
    The appointment usually takes around 10–15 minutes. Your finger-prick blood sample is analysed in the pharmacy, and your results are available within a few minutes. A trained healthcare professional will talk you through your results and discuss ways to improve or maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
    What happens if my cholesterol levels are high?
    If your results indicate elevated cholesterol levels, your pharmacist will explain what this means and provide personalised advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, such as losing weight to improve heart health. Depending on your results and overall risk factors, you may be advised to see your GP for further assessment or treatment.
    What's included in a full lipid profile?
    A full lipid profile measures several types of fats in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Together, these measurements provide a more complete picture of your cardiovascular health than total cholesterol alone.
    Why should I have my cholesterol checked if I feel well?
    High cholesterol usually comes without symptoms. Regular testing can help identify raised cholesterol levels early, allowing you to take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke before problems develop.
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