Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel)
Reviewed
A lipid panel measures cholesterol fractions and triglycerides to help assess cardiovascular risk.
Preparation and collection
Some lipid panels do not require fasting, while others do. Follow the ordering clinician's and laboratory's instructions.
Understanding this test
Use the reference interval and units printed by the laboratory that performed the test. A result outside that interval is not a diagnosis by itself, and a result inside it does not rule out every condition. Your symptoms, history, medicines, timing, and related tests can change what the result means.
- Calculated LDL can be less reliable in some triglyceride ranges or non-fasting circumstances.
- Acute illness, pregnancy, alcohol, diet, weight change, medicines, and fasting status can affect results.
What to do next
The clinician may calculate overall risk, repeat a fasting or non-fasting panel, review secondary causes, or discuss lifestyle and medicines.
Evidence source
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel)