How to perform a cholesterol test
Watch the step-by-step instructions for using the Mission 3-in-1 Cholesterol Meter and learn how to perform the test correctly.
Important points before you start
Meter setup
Make sure the meter is set up correctly before your first measurement.
How to set up the meter →Performing the test
Follow the correct procedure for blood collection and testing.
How to perform a test →Understanding your results
Learn how to read the values shown by the Mission 3-in-1 meter.
How to read your results →User manual
Download the full manual for detailed instructions and technical information.
View user manual →Cholesterol card
Keep cholesterol values and reference ranges together in one overview.
Download cholesterol card →Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about error codes, measurement results and using the Mission 3-in-1 Cholesterol Meter.
Error E-5 – Too little blood
Too little blood
Error E-5 means that there was not enough blood for the meter to complete the measurement.
This can happen in two situations:
A. Too little blood in the capillary tube
Possible causes:
- The capillary tube was not filled up to the filling mark.
- The tube was filled in several small steps, which may leave air bubbles inside.
- The blood was scraped from the finger instead of being collected directly from a rounded blood drop.
- The first blood drop was used instead of wiping it away and using the second drop.
How to collect enough blood
- Make sure the finger is clean and completely dry.
- Use the safety lancet on the side of the fingertip.
- Wipe away the first blood drop with a clean tissue.
- Use the second blood drop for the test.
- If necessary, gently massage from the wrist toward the hand and finger to encourage blood flow.
- Hold the capillary tube lightly between the thumb and index finger.
- Keep the open end slightly upwards and gently touch the rounded blood drop.
- Allow the capillary tube to fill automatically.
- Continue until the blood reaches the filling mark.
Do not squeeze the capillary tube while collecting blood. Do not scrape the finger with the capillary tube, as this may introduce air or skin into the tube.
Keep the hand relaxed and slightly below heart level. This can help blood flow more easily toward the fingertip.
B. Too little blood on the test strip
After filling the capillary tube, all of the collected blood must be transferred to the test strip.
- Position the filled capillary tube above the test strip.
- Press the bulb to release all the blood onto the strip in one continuous movement.
- Keep the bulb pressed.
- Move the capillary tube away from the test strip while still pressing the bulb.
- Only release the bulb once the capillary tube is away from the strip.
This helps prevent blood from being drawn back into the capillary tube.
Error E-6 – Test strips expired or incorrect meter date
Test strips expired or incorrect meter date
Error E-6 can appear when the test strips have expired, the wrong code chip is being used or the date in the meter is incorrect.
1. Check the code chip
Make sure the number on the code chip matches the number of the test strips.
Each new box of test strips comes with its own code chip. The chip is used for calibration and should therefore be changed when starting a new box of test strips.
Do not perform the test if the code chip does not correspond with the test strips.
2. Check the expiration date
Check the expiration date printed on the foil pouch containing the test strip.
Cholesterol test strips should not be used after the stated expiration date.
3. Check the date setting of the meter
An incorrect date setting can also cause an E-6 error. Check that the date in the meter is correct and reset it if necessary.
- Y = year
- M = month
- D = day
Instructions for setting up the meter are available in the setup guide and instructional materials.
LDL dashes – Why are LDL and cholesterol ratio not displayed?
Why are LDL and the cholesterol ratio not displayed?
The Mission 3-in-1 Cholesterol Meter measures CHOL, HDL and TRIG directly and uses these values to calculate LDL cholesterol and the cholesterol ratio.
What does the meter measure?
- Total cholesterol (CHOL)
- HDL cholesterol (HDL)
- Triglycerides (TRIG)
The meter then calculates:
- Cholesterol ratio
- LDL cholesterol
Why do dashes appear?
If CHOL, HDL or TRIG is outside the measurement range, the meter may display dashes instead of an LDL value or cholesterol ratio.
This means that the meter does not have all the information required to calculate these values.
Measurement ranges
Total cholesterol (CHOL)
100–500 mg/dL
2.59–12.93 mmol/L
HDL cholesterol (HDL)
15–100 mg/dL
0.39–2.59 mmol/L
Triglycerides (TRIG)
45–650 mg/dL
0.51–7.34 mmol/L
Results below the measurement range may be displayed with a < symbol, while results above the range may be displayed with a > symbol.
Manual LDL calculation
When the triglyceride concentration is within the required range, LDL can be calculated manually.
What are triglycerides?
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood and are one of the values measured by the Mission 3-in-1 Cholesterol Meter.
The body converts energy that is not immediately needed into triglycerides and stores it for later use.
Triglyceride levels can change depending on factors such as food intake, which is why the timing of a cholesterol measurement can influence the result.
What does the Mission 3-in-1 meter measure?
The meter measures triglycerides together with total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.
For consistent monitoring, try to perform measurements under similar conditions each time.
Should I fast before doing a cholesterol test?
Should I fast before doing a cholesterol test?
For a fasting lipid measurement, fasting for approximately 9–12 hours before the test is commonly used.
Why can fasting matter?
Triglyceride levels can increase after eating. Fasting can therefore provide a more consistent baseline, particularly when measuring triglycerides.
During the fasting period
- Avoid food during the fasting period.
- Water can generally be consumed.
- Try to perform repeat measurements under similar conditions.
If a healthcare professional has given specific instructions about fasting or testing, follow those instructions.
Understanding the measurement ranges
Understanding the measurement ranges
Each parameter measured by the Mission 3-in-1 Cholesterol Meter has a defined measurement range.
Total cholesterol (CHOL)
100–500 mg/dL
2.59–12.93 mmol/L
HDL cholesterol (HDL)
15–100 mg/dL
0.39–2.59 mmol/L
Triglycerides (TRIG)
45–650 mg/dL
0.51–7.34 mmol/L
If a result falls outside these ranges, the meter may display an indicator instead of a numerical value.
- A result below the measurement range may be shown with a < symbol.
- A result above the measurement range may be shown with a > symbol.
LDL cholesterol and the cholesterol ratio may not be displayed if one of the measurements required for the calculation is outside the meter’s measurement range.
Control strip vs. control solution – What is the difference?
What is the difference between the control strip and control solution?
The control strips included with the meter and the separately available control solution are used for different types of checks.
Control strips
The two black/gray control strips supplied with the meter are used only to check the optical system of the meter.
They do not check the performance of the cholesterol test strips.
How to use the control strips:
- Open the Check function on the meter.
- Insert one of the supplied control strips when prompted.
- The meter will recognize the strip and display Yes when the optical check has been completed successfully.
Control solution
Control solution is sold separately and is used with a regular cholesterol test strip.
This check helps verify that the meter and test strip system are producing a result within the expected control range.
How to perform a control solution test:
- Insert a standard cholesterol test strip into the meter.
- Apply the control solution to the test strip according to the test procedure.
- Wait for the meter to display the result.
- Compare the result with the control range stated on the control solution bottle.
Control strips = optical system check.
Control solution = check using a cholesterol test strip against a specified control range.
What do you need to perform a cholesterol test?
To perform a cholesterol test with the Mission 3-in-1 system, you need the meter, cholesterol test strips, a capillary transfer tube and a safety lancet.
Still need help?
Our support team is happy to help with questions about the Mission 3-in-1 Cholesterol Meter.
