Cholesterol Test in Glasgow & Renfrewshire
High cholesterol has no symptoms — testing is the only way to know. Get a quick, private cholesterol test with a one-to-one pharmacist consultation at any of our five Reach Pharmacy branches across Scotland. No GP referral. No waiting list.
What is a cholesterol test?
A cholesterol test — also called a lipid profile or lipid panel — is a simple blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood. It checks your total cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. High cholesterol has no symptoms, but it is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke — the only way to know your level is to test. At Reach Pharmacy, a qualified pharmacist takes a small blood sample in a private consultation room at any of our five branches across Glasgow and Renfrewshire, and you receive your results with a personal consultation explaining exactly what they mean and what to do next.
Reference values on this page follow UK national guidance for healthy adults, as used by the NHS.
What your cholesterol test measures
One small blood sample gives you a complete, six-marker picture of your heart health.
Total Cholesterol
The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, combining both the protective and harmful types.
HDL — "Good" Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein carries cholesterol away from your arteries to be broken down. Higher is better.
LDL — "Bad" Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein can build up in artery walls as plaque, raising your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Non-HDL Cholesterol
All the potentially harmful cholesterol in your blood — now the preferred risk marker in UK guidance.
Triglycerides
A type of blood fat linked to diet, alcohol and body weight. Raised levels add to cardiovascular risk.
TC : HDL Ratio
The balance between total and good cholesterol — one of the strongest single predictors of heart risk.
How your cholesterol test works
Done in a single visit to your local branch — most appointments take 15–20 minutes in total.
Book or walk in
Call your nearest Reach Pharmacy branch to book an appointment, or ask in store. No GP referral is needed for private cholesterol testing.
⏱ 2 minutesQuick blood sample
A trained pharmacist takes a small blood sample in a private, clean consultation room. Squeamish about needles? Our team will put you at ease.
⏱ A few minutesResults & consultation
Your pharmacist explains your results in plain English, gives tailored lifestyle advice, and refers you to your GP if follow-up or treatment is appropriate.
⏱ One-to-oneWhat is a healthy cholesterol level in the UK?
UK guidance recommends the following targets for most healthy adults. Your pharmacist interprets your results against your personal risk factors — not just the numbers alone.
| Marker | Healthy target (UK) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | 5 mmol/L or below | Overall cholesterol load in your blood |
| HDL (good) | Above 1 mmol/L | Protects arteries by clearing cholesterol away |
| LDL (bad) | 3 mmol/L or below | Main driver of artery-clogging plaque |
| Non-HDL | 4 mmol/L or below | Total of all harmful cholesterol types |
| TC : HDL ratio | Below 6 | Strong overall indicator of heart risk |
Who should get a cholesterol test?
High cholesterol has no symptoms — many people only discover theirs after a heart event. A test is especially recommended if any of these apply to you:
- You're over 40 and have never had your cholesterol checked
- Heart disease, stroke or high cholesterol runs in your family
- You have high blood pressure or diabetes
- You smoke, or you've recently quit
- You're overweight or get little physical activity
- You want a baseline before making diet or lifestyle changes
Book your cholesterol test at a branch near you
Call your nearest Reach Pharmacy branch to book, or drop in and speak to the team.
Reach Pharmacy Finnieston
1094 Argyle Street, Finnieston, Glasgow, G3 8LY clinic@reachpharmacy.com Call 0141 248 8595Reach Pharmacy Bearsden
55-57 Milngavie Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 2DW bearsden@reachpharmacy.co.uk Call 0141 943 1086Reach Pharmacy Gartcosh
2 Old Gartloch Road, Gartcosh, Glasgow, G69 8EY gartcosh@reachpharmacy.co.uk Call 01236 879056Reach Pharmacy Elderslie
179 Main Road, Elderslie, Renfrewshire, PA5 9ES elderslie@reachpharmacy.co.uk Call 01505 335275Reach Pharmacy Johnstone
80 Sycamore Avenue, Johnstone, Renfrewshire, PA5 0BL johnstone@reachpharmacy.co.uk Call 01505 321413Cholesterol test FAQs
Do I need a GP referral for a cholesterol test at a pharmacy?
No. Private cholesterol testing at Reach Pharmacy does not require a GP referral. You can book directly with any of our five branches across Glasgow and Renfrewshire, or ask in store.
Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test?
Most modern cholesterol tests do not require fasting. However, your pharmacist may recommend fasting for 10–12 hours beforehand if a full fasting lipid profile is needed. Check with your branch when booking.
What does a cholesterol test measure?
A cholesterol test (lipid profile) typically measures total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and your total cholesterol to HDL ratio.
What is a healthy cholesterol level in the UK?
UK guidance for healthy adults generally recommends total cholesterol of 5 mmol/L or below, HDL above 1 mmol/L, LDL of 3 mmol/L or below, non-HDL of 4 mmol/L or below, and a total cholesterol to HDL ratio below 6.
How long does a cholesterol test take at a pharmacy?
The blood sample itself takes only a few minutes in a private consultation room. Allow around 15–20 minutes for your full appointment including the pharmacist consultation. Ask your branch whether your results are available on the spot or via our partner laboratory.
How often should I check my cholesterol?
Adults over 40, or anyone with a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or who smokes or is overweight, should consider checking cholesterol at least once every few years — or as advised by a healthcare professional.
What happens if my cholesterol is high?
Your Reach Pharmacy pharmacist will explain your results, offer lifestyle advice on diet, exercise and smoking, and refer you to your GP where further investigation or treatment such as statins may be appropriate.
Can I lower my cholesterol without medication?
Often, yes. Reducing saturated fat, eating more fibre and oily fish, exercising regularly, stopping smoking and losing excess weight can all lower cholesterol. Your pharmacist will advise whether lifestyle changes alone are appropriate for your results, or whether you should also see your GP.
High cholesterol has no symptoms.
Testing takes one short visit.
Know exactly where you stand — and what to do next — with a private cholesterol test and pharmacist consultation at your nearest Reach Pharmacy.
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