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Diagnostic Biomarker Profile

Lipid Panel

A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood.

A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in your blood and every cell of your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones , vitamin D , and substances that help you digest foods. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs and removes excess amounts. Cholesterol is also found in foods from animal sources, such as meat, egg yolks, poultry, and dairy products. Foods high in dietary fat can increase the cholesterol in your blood. If there's too much cholesterol in your blood, your liver can't remove it all. There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or "bad" cholesterol, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or "good" cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for coronary artery disease and other heart diseases . High LDL levels can cause the buildup of a sticky substance called plaque in your arteries. This buildup of plaque is known as atherosclerosis . Over time, plaque can narrow your arteries or fully block them. When this happens, parts of your body may not get enough blood: If the blood flow to your heart is blocked, it can cause a heart attack . If the blood flow to your brain is blocked, it can cause a stroke . If the blood flow to your arms or legs is blocked, it can cause peripheral artery disease . Other names for a cholesterol test: Lipid profile, Lipid panel

Why is this test ordered? Your provider may order a cholesterol test as part of a routine exam . When and how often you should get a cholesterol test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history. The general recommendations are: For people who are age 19 or younger: The first test should be between ages 9 to 11 Children should have the test again every 5 years Some children may have this test starting at age 2 if there is a family history of high cholesterol, heart attack, or stroke For people who are ages 20 to 65: Younger adults should have the test every 5 years Men ages 45 to 65 and women ages 55 to 65 should have it every 1 to 2 years For people older than 65: They should be tested every year You may also have a cholesterol test more often if you are at high risk of heart problems because of: A family history of heart disease High blood pressure Type 2 diabetes Smoking Excess weight or obesity Lack of physical activity A diet high in saturated fat

Reference Ranges & Biomarker Tiers

Adult reference interval: Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL; LDL below 100 mg/dL

Total cholesterolLess than 200 mg/dLHealthy level for adults age 20 or older.
LDL cholesterolLess than 100 mg/dLHealthy level for adults age 20 or older.
Non-HDL cholesterolLess than 130 mg/dLHealthy level for adults age 20 or older.
HDL cholesterol60 mg/dL or above is bestLevels below 40 mg/dL are considered low.

Reference intervals vary by performing laboratory, assay method, age and sex. Always interpret a result against the interval printed on the report from the laboratory that ran the test. Source for these values: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.

Clinical Interpretation

Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The information below will help you understand what your test results mean. In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health. Anyone age 19 or younger: Type of Cholesterol Healthy Level Total Cholesterol Less than 170 mg/dL Non-HDL Less than 120 mg/dL LDL Less than 110 mg/dL HDL More than 45mg/dL Men age 20 or older: Type of Cholesterol Healthy Level Total Cholesterol Less than 200 mg/dL Non-HDL Less than 130 mg/dL LDL Less than 100 mg/dL HDL Greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL is best. Levels less than 40 mg/dL are considered low. Women age 20 or older: Type of Cholesterol Healthy Level Total Cholesterol Less than 200 mg/dL Non-HDL Less than 130 mg/dL LDL Less than 100 mg/dL The LDL listed on your results may say "calculated." This means that your LDL level is an estimate based on your total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Your LDL level may also be measured "directly" from your blood sample. Either way, you want your LDL number to be low. 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. Your provider can explain what's right for you. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results .

Medicare Coverage — diagnoses supporting medical necessity (NCD)

B25.2Cytomegaloviral pancreatitisMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)B52.0Plasmodium malariae malaria with nephropathyMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E00.0Congenital iodine-deficiency syndrome, neurological typeMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E00.1Congenital iodine-deficiency syndrome, myxedematous typeMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E00.2Congenital iodine-deficiency syndrome, mixed typeMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E00.9Congenital iodine-deficiency syndrome, unspecifiedMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E01.8Other iodine-deficiency related thyroid disorders and allied conditionsMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E02Subclinical iodine-deficiency hypothyroidismMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E03.0Congenital hypothyroidism with diffuse goiterMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E03.1Congenital hypothyroidism without goiterMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E03.2Hypothyroidism due to medicaments and other exogenous substancesMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E03.3Postinfectious hypothyroidismMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E03.4Atrophy of thyroid (acquired)Medicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E03.8Other specified hypothyroidismMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E03.9Hypothyroidism, unspecifiedMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E05.00Thyrotoxicosis with diffuse goiter without thyrotoxic crisis or stormMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E05.01Thyrotoxicosis with diffuse goiter with thyrotoxic crisis or stormMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)E05.10Thyrotoxicosis with toxic single thyroid nodule without thyrotoxic crisis or stormMedicare medical-necessity (NCD 190.23)

Showing 18 of 1,715 diagnoses Medicare covers for this test under NCD 190.23. The complete list is in CMS's Lab NCD code list.

Clinical Protocol & Patient Advice

  • 1

    A 9 to 12-hour fast is traditionally recommended, but non-fasting lipid panels are increasingly accepted for general screening.

  • 2

    Avoid high-fat meals and alcohol for 24 hours prior to testing.

  • 3

    You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 9 to 12 hours before your blood cholesterol test. That's why the tests are often done in the morning. Your provider will let you know if you need to fast and if there are any other special instructions.

Usage Guidance

  • Cardiovascular risk must be evaluated using aggregate scoring calculators (e.g. ASCVD 10-year risk) rather than a single lipid level.
  • LDL targets may be significantly lower (e.g., < 70 or < 55 mg/dL) for patients with existing coronary artery disease.
  • Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Always discuss your specific results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. View the original.

Read from: MedlinePlus (NLM); reference ranges only where NIDDK, NIH ODS or NCI states the value, linked per page — Curated from federal sources. All data sources · How to read the labels