This study examined population-based patterns of blood lipid testing by sociodemographic status among adults residing in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. Nationally held datasets (primary care enrolment, laboratory tests, pharmaceuticals, hospitalisations and mortality) were linked anonymously to identify adults aged ≥25 years without cardiovascular disease or diabetes who had their lipids tested in 2006–2010. Age, gender, ethnicity, area of residence and area-level deprivation were obtained for each person. Of the 627,907 participants included in this study, 415,992 people (66.3%) had at least one lipid test between 2006 and 2010. Annual testing increased from 24.7% in 2006 to 35.1% in 2010. Lipid test frequency increased linearly by age in a similar fashion for men and women. Indian people were 87% more likely than New Zealand European and Others (NZEO) to be tested, Pacific people 8% more likely, but rates for Māori were similar to NZEO. There was marked variation within the region, with residents of the most deprived areas less likely to be tested than residents in least deprived areas.
