RAPID AT-HOME CHOLESTEROL TESTS LAUNCH NATIONWIDE AMID “SILENT EPIDEMIC”

Newfoundland Diagnostics has launched a new self-testing kit for monitoring cholesterol levels at home, as studies suggest more than half of Brits are living with undiagnosed high cholesterol. The test is the first of its kind available to purchase at supermarkets across the UK and comes after experts warn of a ‘silent epidemic’ of high cholesterol in the UK.

According to the comprehensive study, 54% of Brits could be living with high cholesterol levels, which often go undetected as there are virtually no symptoms before serious health issues arise, putting an immense strain on the NHS. High cholesterol is one of the main health issues for developing heart disease, a condition that remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK with the number of people affected still on the rise.

Long wait times and limited availability of basic diagnostic services mean many are left unaware of important health markers like their cholesterol levels. Newfoundland Diagnostics’ easy-to-use at-home cholesterol test kits aim to change that, by allowing customers to screen themselves and take action to manage high cholesterol when necessary.

The cholesterol test is a finger-prick blood test that identifies cholesterol levels and provides results in three minutes. Cholesterol levels, along with other factors like lifestyle and medical conditions, help evaluate the risk for cardiovascular disease. Having high cholesterol increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Newfoundland Diagnostics’ Cholesterol Test measures total cholesterol levels in the blood and categorises results into three medical risk groups: high, borderline high, and desirable. The NHS recommends healthy adults maintain cholesterol below 5mmol/L.

Through at-home testing, Newfoundland aims to rapidly increase the identification of people with or at risk of cardiovascular disease, allowing for timely intervention before more serious health issues arise.

Frederick Manduca, Co-Founder of Newfoundland Diagnostics, said: “As the first rapid cholesterol test available in supermarkets, our main goal is in expanding access to this important heart health screening. Undiagnosed high cholesterol levels are continuing to drive preventable hospital admissions but with at-home testing kits, we’re empowering Brits to take control of their cholesterol levels without overburdening GPs.”

“By getting diagnostic testing directly into the hands of consumers, we aim to catch high cholesterol early when lifestyle changes can still make a difference. This is the future of accessible diagnostics – informing and equipping the public to be proactive about their health.”

Cholesterol Test (RRP: £12.99)

This simple at-home rapid self-test measures the level of total cholesterol in the blood via a finger prick test. Results are displayed on a colour chart to identify the level of cholesterol in your blood against three medical risk groups: high, borderline high and desirable.

Results in: 3 minutes
Accuracy: >96%

Newfoundland Diagnostics’ Cholesterol rapid at-home tests are available now via Newfoundland Diagnostics and in Tesco stores across the nation.