Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for non-invasive measurement of skin cholesterol. More particularly, one aspect of the invention provides for a device to apply a detector reagent to a selected area of skin. Another an indicator device to produce a visual change corresponding to the amount of detector reagent that is bound in the skin. The method and apparatus of this invention typically do not require any instrumentation for certain embodiments, allowing the invention to be suitable for self-testing, for example, but not limited to, in the home environment. As such the invention is particularly useful to allow individuals to assess their risk of atherosclerosis and related vascular diseases.