LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets Inc. has begun offering biometric health screenings at its in-store pharmacies.

The biometric tests are designed to help people assess their risk for chronic conditions.

The Southeastern food and drug chain said Monday that the biometric screenings, available for adults at its 970 pharmacies, include blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), glucose, lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides), and lipid panel plus glucose.

For the blood pressure and BMI screenings, which are free, customers use a higi health station. Costs for the other screenings are $20 for glucose, $35 for the lipid panel and $45 for the lipid panel plus glucose. Publix said its pharmacies won’t be able to bill insurance providers directly and the retailer suggests that customers contact their health insurers about plan policies and reimbursement.

The biometric screenings are available on a walk-in basis, but Publix Pharmacy recommends that patients fast for eight to 12 hours before their screening in order to achieve the most accurate results. The company said results are provided within minutes of taking the test, and customers are provided a consultation with a pharmacist. Also, results from the biometric screenings will be kept on file so the Publix pharmacist can refer back to previous screenings to identify changes and trends in the patient’s overall health.

Publix noted that the screenings will help people understand their risk for developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

“As both a supermarket and pharmacy, we are uniquely positioned to assist our customers in their overall health and wellness goals,” Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous said in a statement. “Biometric screenings are an additional service we provide to our customers and associates in a convenient location. We respect the time of our customers and continue to build on a strong relationship between patient and pharmacy.”

Overall, Publix operates 1,103 supermarkets in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.