A cholesterol meter is a small medical device used to quickly measure blood cholesterol levels, often at home or in clinics. It works similarly to a blood glucose meter: a small drop of blood is taken from the finger and placed on a test strip. The strip is inserted into the meter, giving results within minutes.<br />Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. The body needs it in certain amounts to build cells and produce certain hormones, but high levels can lead to clogged arteries and heart disease.<br />There are two main types:<br />• LDL (bad cholesterol): leads to the buildup of fat in the arteries.<br />• HDL (good cholesterol): helps remove bad cholesterol from the blood.<br /><br />How does the device work?<br />1. A fingertip is pricked to obtain a small drop of blood.<br />2. Blood is placed on a special test strip.<br />3. The strip is inserted into the meter.<br />4. In less than a minute, the device displays the results for:<br />• Total cholesterol.<br />• LDL (bad cholesterol).<br />• HDL (good cholesterol).<br />• Triglycerides (in some devices)