Blood cholesterol test. Medical worker holding a blood cholesterol measuring device. A sample of blood has been pricked from the woman's raised finger (lower left) and placed on a test strip (inserted into top of device). The results of the analysis are displayed on the screen. Readings are in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) for four blood lipids (fats): TC (total cholesterol, 182 mg/dL), TRG (triglycerides, 132 mg/dL), HDL (high density lipoprotein 39 mg/dL), and LDL (low density lipoprotein, 97 mg/dL). HDL and LDL are 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol carriers. These readings are normal except for the HDL reading, which should ideally be above 40 mg/dl. This device has been developed by the UK company Oxford Biosciences. Photographed in 2004.