Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel)
Reviewed
Also called: Cholesterol test, Lipid profile, Lipid panel, Cholesterol levels
A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood.
Specimen: Blood
Why this test may be ordered
- Routine cardiovascular risk assessment
- Monitoring lifestyle or lipid-lowering treatment
- Assessing risk with diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, family history, or other factors
Preparation and collection
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 9 to 12 hours before your blood cholesterol test. Your provider will let you know if you need to fast and if there are any other special instructions.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. This usually takes less than five minutes.
There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
Understanding results
Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health.
- Healthy levels for adults 20 or older: total cholesterol less than 200 mg/dL, LDL less than 100 mg/dL: In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health. Limitation: A healthy cholesterol level for you may depend on your age, family history, lifestyle, and other risk factors for heart disease, such as high triglyceride levels. Next step: Your provider can explain what's right for you.
- High LDL or total cholesterol: Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for coronary artery disease and other heart diseases. Limitation: You can't change some risk factors for high cholesterol, such as age and your genes. Next step: Talk to your provider before making any major change in your diet or exercise routine.
- 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
Your provider can explain what's right for you. Talk to your provider before making any major change in your diet or exercise routine.
- Which reference interval and units apply to my result?
- Could medicines, supplements, illness, or sample timing affect this result?
- Do I need a repeat test or another test before any conclusion is made?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Cholesterol Test (Lipid Panel)