Cholesterol Testing Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Test Kits, Test Strips, Others), By Test Type (Total Cholesterol Test, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol, Triglycerides/VLDL Cholesterol Test), By Prescription Mode (Over the Counter, Prescription Based), By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Laboratories, Others), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Cholesterol Testing Market was valued at USD 12.36 Billion in 2024 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.92% through 2030. A cholesterol test, also known as a lipid profile or lipid panel, is a vital medical examination used to assess the levels of various lipids—primarily cholesterol and triglycerides—in the bloodstream. This test typically measures total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol), and triglycerides. These values offer essential insights into a person’s cardiovascular health and help identify potential risks for conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Elevated LDL levels and low HDL levels can increase the risk of plaque buildup in arteries, leading to restricted blood flow and serious heart complications. Routine cholesterol testing is particularly important for individuals with a family history of heart disease, those with diabetes, or people leading sedentary lifestyles with poor dietary habits. Early detection of abnormal cholesterol levels allows for timely lifestyle changes or medical interventions, such as adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, or using cholesterol-lowering medications. Since cholesterol levels can be influenced by various factors—including age, genetics, diet, and overall health—it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can interpret the results accurately and recommend personalized strategies for managing cholesterol and maintaining long-term cardiovascular wellness.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, often have subtle or asymptomatic early stages. For instance, according to a 2024 article, coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common yet serious heart condition that can lead to heart attacks. A recent study, published in the European Heart Journal, highlights that measuring apolipoprotein B particles and lipoprotein(a) levels may improve risk prediction for CAD. These lipoproteins carry "bad" cholesterol in the blood and play a critical role in plaque buildup in coronary arteries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that CAD is caused by plaque accumulation in the arteries supplying blood to the heart, emphasizing the importance of early screening and preventive care. Cholesterol testing helps identify individuals with high cholesterol levels, who are at an increased risk of developing CVDs. Early detection allows for timely intervention and lifestyle changes that can help prevent or manage the progression of these diseases. Cholesterol testing provides valuable information for risk assessment and stratification. Individuals with elevated cholesterol levels are categorized as high-risk patients for CVDs. This categorization helps healthcare providers tailor treatment and management strategies, potentially preventing future cardiovascular events. For individuals diagnosed with CVDs or at risk of developing them, cholesterol testing is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments such as medication, dietary changes, and exercise. Regular testing helps healthcare professionals adjust treatment plans as needed to achieve target cholesterol levels. The rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases underscores the importance of cholesterol testing as a critical tool for prevention, early detection, and management. The increasing demand for cholesterol testing is a natural response to the need to address the growing burden of CVDs and their associated risk factors.

Increase in Demand of Point-of-Care Testing Devices and Home Cholesterol Testing Kits

Point-of-care testing devices and home cholesterol testing kits are playing a significant role in increasing the demand for cholesterol testing. Point-of-care testing devices and home testing kits provide the convenience of immediate testing without the need for a separate visit to a medical facility. This convenience encourages more frequent testing and monitoring, as individuals can easily check their cholesterol levels at home or at a nearby clinic. Rapid results from point-of-care testing and home kits allow individuals to receive immediate feedback on their cholesterol levels. This enables timely intervention, such as lifestyle adjustments or medication adherence, in case of elevated levels. Home testing kits empower individuals to take control of their health by monitoring their cholesterol levels regularly. This increased involvement in their healthcare encourages better management of risk factors and adherence to healthier lifestyles. Some individuals might be more comfortable conducting tests in the privacy of their own homes, which can lead to more accurate results due to reduced anxiety often associated with medical settings. For individuals with established cardiovascular conditions or who are at higher risk due to family history or other factors, point-of-care devices and home testing kits offer a convenient way to monitor their cholesterol levels regularly, supporting ongoing disease management.

Increasing Cases of Obesity

The increasing cases of obesity are a significant driver behind the rising demand for cholesterol testing. For instance, according to WHO 2025, obesity affected 1 in 8 people globally in 2022. Since 1990, adult obesity has more than doubled and adolescent obesity has quadrupled. In 2022, 2.5 billion adults were overweight, including 890 million with obesity. Among adults aged 18 and over, 43% were overweight and 16% had obesity.  35 million children under 5 and over 390 million aged 5–19 were overweight, including 160 million with obesity. Obesity is closely linked to elevated cholesterol levels, especially high levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as "bad" cholesterol), which can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and other health complications. Obesity is associated with changes in lipid metabolism, leading to higher levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol (often referred to as "good" cholesterol). Cholesterol testing helps identify individuals with unfavorable lipid profiles, prompting the need for lifestyle modifications or medical interventions. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for CVDs. Cholesterol testing serves as an essential tool for assessing an individual's cardiovascular risk. Healthcare providers often recommend cholesterol testing for obese individuals to determine their risk level and guide appropriate interventions. Regular cholesterol testing for individuals with obesity can help in the early detection of lipid abnormalities, allowing for timely interventions to prevent or manage cardiovascular risks. This proactive approach can lead to better health outcomes. Many individuals with obesity embark on weight loss and lifestyle modification journeys to improve their health. Cholesterol testing serves as a valuable marker to monitor the effects of these efforts on lipid levels, motivating individuals to stay on track and make necessary adjustments. Healthcare providers often emphasize the importance of cholesterol testing for individuals with obesity to educate them about their cardiovascular risks. This guidance encourages more people to undergo testing as part of their overall health management.

Rising Geriatric Population

The elderly population is more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases and other health issues, leading to a higher demand for cholesterol testing and monitoring among this demographic.  For instance, according to WHO 2024, all countries face significant challenges in preparing their health and social systems for the global aging population. By 2050, 80% of older adults will reside in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive policies, improved healthcare infrastructure, and social support systems to ensure healthy aging and quality of life for the growing elderly population worldwide. As individuals age, their bodies undergo various physiological changes that can impact cholesterol levels. Cholesterol tends to increase naturally with age, and this age-related dyslipidemia can elevate the risk of CVDs. Cholesterol testing becomes crucial for early detection and management of these changes. The elderly is at a greater risk of developing CVDs due to cumulative exposure to risk factors over time. Cholesterol testing helps identify individuals with elevated cholesterol levels, allowing for targeted interventions to manage these risks. Elderly individuals often have multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which can further elevate their cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol testing assists in managing these complex health profiles. Many elderly individuals are on medications that can impact cholesterol levels, such as statins. Regular cholesterol testing helps healthcare providers monitor the effects of medications and adjust treatment plans as needed. Healthcare for the elderly often emphasizes preventive care to manage the risk of age-related health issues. Cholesterol testing plays a crucial role in identifying potential cardiovascular risks early and guiding preventive measures. For the elderly, lifestyle changes can significantly impact their health and quality of life. Cholesterol testing provides insights into the effectiveness of dietary modifications, exercise regimens, and other lifestyle interventions.

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Key Market Challenges

Technological Limitations

While point-of-care testing devices and home testing kits have improved accessibility, their accuracy might not always match that of laboratory-based testing, potentially affecting diagnostic reliability.  Point-of-care testing devices and home testing kits might yield results that can vary from one test to another or from laboratory-based measurements. This variability can lead to uncertainty in interpreting results and making clinical decisions. Home testing kits and point-of-care devices rely on individuals performing the test correctly. User errors, such as improper sample collection or incorrect device operation, can significantly impact the accuracy of results. Proper calibration and maintenance of testing devices are crucial for accuracy. Without regular calibration and quality control, point-of-care devices might drift from accurate results over time. Inaccurate results from point-of-care testing or home testing kits can impact clinical decision-making. Incorrect management strategies based on unreliable results might harm patient outcomes.

Lack of Awareness

Despite increasing awareness, a significant portion of the population may still lack proper understanding of the importance of cholesterol testing. Lack of awareness can lead to delayed or insufficient testing, hindering market growth. Many individuals may underestimate their risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and fail to recognize that high cholesterol levels can lead to serious health issues. This lack of awareness might prevent them from seeking cholesterol testing in a timely manner. High cholesterol levels typically do not cause noticeable symptoms. As a result, individuals might not recognize the need for testing since they don't feel unwell, leading to a lack of motivation to undergo testing. Misconceptions about cholesterol and its role in heart health can prevent individuals from understanding the value of testing. Some might believe that only older adults need to worry about cholesterol or that they are not at risk due to their age or lifestyle. Routine health check-ups are opportunities for healthcare providers to discuss cholesterol testing with patients. However, if individuals do not schedule regular appointments, they might miss out on these discussions. To overcome this challenge and foster greater awareness about cholesterol testing, public health campaigns, educational initiatives, and patient outreach are crucial. Healthcare providers, medical organizations, and community leaders play a key role in disseminating accurate information about the importance of cholesterol testing and its impact on overall health. Raising awareness through multiple channels, using clear and understandable language, can help increase the demand for cholesterol testing and ultimately contribute to improved cardiovascular health outcomes.

Key Market Trends

Personalized Medicine

The trend toward personalized medicine will likely extend to cardiovascular health. Cholesterol testing can provide essential data for tailoring interventions and treatment plans based on an individual's unique risk profile. The trend toward personalized medicine has the potential to greatly impact cardiovascular health, and cholesterol testing plays a vital role in this shift. Personalized medicine aims to provide individualized healthcare based on an individual's unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and other factors. Cholesterol testing offers essential data that can help tailor interventions and treatment plans specifically for an individual's risk profile. Based on an individual's cholesterol levels, genetic factors, medical history, and other health metrics, healthcare providers can create personalized treatment plans. This might involve lifestyle modifications, medication choices, and specific targets for cholesterol levels. Personalized medicine involves continuous monitoring of an individual's health markers. Cholesterol testing serves as a valuable tool for tracking progress and ensuring that the chosen interventions are effective. Regular testing encourages patient adherence to treatment plans. For individuals who require cholesterol-lowering medications, personalized medicine can guide the choice of medications and dosages. Certain medications might be more effective or better tolerated based on an individual's genetic and metabolic factors.

Advancements in Testing Technologies

Continued advancements in cholesterol testing technologies, such as improved accuracy of point-of-care devices and home testing kits, can increase their reliability and lead to greater utilization. As technology continues to evolve, improvements in accuracy, convenience, and accessibility can have a significant impact on the cholesterol testing market. Technological innovations can lead to more accurate cholesterol testing results. Improved accuracy builds trust among healthcare providers and patients, increasing confidence in the testing process.

Advanced technologies can incorporate features that minimize errors caused by users during sample collection and test administration. Clear instructions, automated processes, and user-friendly interfaces can improve the reliability of results. Advancements can lead to improvements in the sensitivity and specificity of testing methods, reducing false positives and false negatives, and enhancing the overall accuracy of testing. Miniaturization and Portability: Technologies that allow for smaller, portable testing devices can increase the accessibility of testing, especially in remote or underserved areas. Cholesterol testing technologies can integrate with digital health platforms, enabling real-time data sharing with healthcare providers. This connectivity can improve monitoring, follow-up, and treatment adjustments. Automation of testing processes can reduce human errors and variability, leading to more consistent and accurate results. Future technologies might allow for simultaneous testing of multiple cholesterol parameters, providing a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's lipid profile. Integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence can enhance the accuracy of testing by analyzing complex data patterns and optimizing testing protocols.

Segmental Insights

Test Type Insights

In 2024, the total cholesterol test segment emerged as the leading contributor to the global cholesterol testing market and is projected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This growth is largely fueled by rising public awareness regarding the importance of regular cholesterol monitoring for the early detection and management of cardiovascular conditions. The global rise in sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and increased stress levels has significantly contributed to the prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders such as obesity and diabetes. These health issues often correlate with abnormal cholesterol levels, necessitating frequent testing. Governments and healthcare organizations are also actively promoting preventive healthcare practices, further encouraging individuals to undergo routine cholesterol screening. Advancements in diagnostic technologies have made cholesterol tests more accessible, accurate, and cost-effective, thus supporting broader adoption across both developed and developing regions. These factors collectively contribute to the sustained demand for total cholesterol tests in the global market.

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Regional Insights

North America accounted for a significant share of the cholesterol test market in 2024 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Key factors driving market growth include the substantial presence of major pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies in North America. The rising demand for preventative healthcare is anticipated to further boost market growth. The increasing government and private sector efforts to promote healthy lifestyles are expected to fuel market expansion in the region throughout the forecast period. The well-established healthcare infrastructure, high purchasing power, and increasing adoption rate of cholesterol test products are also expected to drive market growth. The region's high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and increased awareness about disease prevention contribute to the rising demand for cholesterol tests, thereby further boosting market growth.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Singapore launched a national genetic testing program to identify individuals with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a hereditary cholesterol disorder. People with FH face a significantly elevated risk—up to 20 times higher—of suffering heart attacks at a younger age compared to the general population. This initiative aims to enhance early detection and intervention, ultimately reducing the incidence of cardiovascular complications linked to this genetic condition.
• In June 2025, Singapore introduced subsidized genetic testing to identify individuals at high risk of hereditary high cholesterol. The initiative focuses on early detection of familial hypercholesterolaemia, a genetic condition that significantly increases the risk of premature heart disease. By making testing more affordable and accessible, the program aims to promote timely intervention and improve long-term cardiovascular health outcomes across the population.
• In May 2022, Goodbody Health proudly unveiled its latest innovation for the UK healthcare industry – the core UK Health “MOT” test. This cutting-edge test includes revolutionary in-clinic diabetes and cholesterol tests that deliver final results within minutes. By evaluating an individual's risk for developing cardiac health problems or diabetes over the next decade, this test contributes to proactive and preventive healthcare.
• In March 2022, Rosalind Franklin University’s (RFU) Community Care Connection continued its life-saving mission in partnership with NorthShore University Health System. Through a collaboration empowered by the generous $680,000 financing granted by NorthShore’s Community Investment Fund (CIF), RFU's mobile health unit, known as the Care Coach, provides crucial medical care to underserved individuals in various North Chicago communities. The Care Coach, staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, delivers essential services such as blood pressure control, diabetes screening, BMI assessment, cholesterol testing, and other complementary health treatments.
• In 2021, Merck KGaA announced the successful early launch of a new, high-purity synthetic cholesterol product, meeting the surging demand for lipids, a critical component of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics. This achievement was accomplished nine months ahead of schedule, demonstrating our commitment to addressing the needs of the industry.
• In October 2021, Abcam, Inc., a renowned global leader in life sciences reagents and tools, proudly announced the seamless completion of its acquisition of BioVision. This strategic move has significantly expanded our kits and assays portfolio, bolstering our ability to meet the growing demand of the sector while accelerating the execution of our long-term plan.

Key Market Players

• Abbott Laboratories Inc.
• Beckman Coulter Inc.
• Horiba Ltd.
• Nova Biomedical
• Roche Holding Ag (F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.)
• Randox Laboratories Ltd.
• Siemens Healthineers Gmbh
• Sekisui Diagnostics LLC
• Sinocare Inc.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Cholesterol Testing Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

            ·         Cholesterol Testing Market, By Product Type:

o   Test Kits

o   Test Strips

o   Other

            ·         Cholesterol Testing Market, By Test Type:

o   Total Cholesterol Test

o   High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol

o   Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol

o   Triglycerides/VLDL Cholesterol Test

            ·         Cholesterol Testing Market, By Prescription Mode:

o   Over the Counter

o   Prescription Based

            ·         Cholesterol Testing Market, By End User:

o   Hospitals & Clinics

o   Diagnostic Laboratories

o   Others

            ·         Cholesterol Testing Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Cholesterol Testing Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Cholesterol Testing market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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