Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel
Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel
Measure lipid levels to help assess risk for heart attack, heart disease, and other diseases of the blood vessels. Read moreTest details
Sample type:
Blood
Preparation:
Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended.
If you are not able to fast before the test, certain levels may be elevated. If you are taking medications, check with your healthcare provider to see whether you should take them before the test.
$59.00
+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee
What
Measures your levels of total cholesterol, HDL (good), LDL (bad), and triglycerides.
Who
Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.
How
Blood
Where
Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.
About the Test
Measure your cholesterol and triglycerides levels to help assess risk for heart attack, heart disease, and other diseases of the blood vessels. A sample of your blood is collected to measure total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, and some people can have high levels for years without knowing. If the results show you have higher than normal levels of cholesterol, you and your healthcare provider can work together to determine next steps.
How it works
FAQs
Cholesterol and triglycerides are lipids (fats) that are transported through the blood by lipoproteins, a combination of lipids and protein. HDL and LDL are 2 types of lipoproteins that bind to cholesterol and carry it throughout the body.
Total Cholesterol: This measures the total amount of cholesterol found in your blood. The cholesterol is bound to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) as it moves through the blood.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol, transports cholesterol throughout your body to the cells that need it. Too much LDL can make cholesterol build up in your arteries, making them narrow and stiff, or blocking them, which makes it more difficult for blood to flow.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL, which is often called "good" cholesterol, picks up extra cholesterol that is circulating in the blood and takes it back to your liver so it can be removed from your body.
Triglycerides: Triglycerides are fats that are formed from foods such as oils, dairy, and red meat. These fats get converted into triglycerides and are stored away in fat cells to be used when needed. High levels of triglycerides can lead to hardening and thickening of the arteries.
Total Cholesterol: This measures the total amount of cholesterol found in your blood. The cholesterol is bound to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) as it moves through the blood.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol, transports cholesterol throughout your body to the cells that need it. Too much LDL can make cholesterol build up in your arteries, making them narrow and stiff, or blocking them, which makes it more difficult for blood to flow.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL, which is often called "good" cholesterol, picks up extra cholesterol that is circulating in the blood and takes it back to your liver so it can be removed from your body.
Triglycerides: Triglycerides are fats that are formed from foods such as oils, dairy, and red meat. These fats get converted into triglycerides and are stored away in fat cells to be used when needed. High levels of triglycerides can lead to hardening and thickening of the arteries.
Your lifestyle can have an impact on your cholesterol level. People who do not exercise regularly, have a high-fat diet, are overweight, and/or who smoke have a higher risk of developing heart disease.
High cholesterol in the blood increases your risk of having heart disease. This means you may have an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
According to the CDC Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
• People age 20 or older who are at low risk for cardiovascular disease should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years
• People with cardiovascular disease risk factors should be checked more frequently
• People age 20 or older who are at low risk for cardiovascular disease should have their cholesterol checked every 5 years
• People with cardiovascular disease risk factors should be checked more frequently
Risk factors for developing heart disease include:
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Diabetes mellitus
• Obesity
• High-fat diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Tobacco use
Your healthcare provider can help you determine your risk factors for developing heart disease.
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Diabetes mellitus
• Obesity
• High-fat diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Tobacco use
Your healthcare provider can help you determine your risk factors for developing heart disease.
You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.
Our references
CDC website:
1Cholesterol. cdc.gov/cholesterol/index.htm
Getting your cholesterol checked. cdc.gov/cholesterol/cholesterol_screening.htm
LDL and HDL cholesterol: "bad" and "good" cholesterol. cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm
How and when to have your cholesterol checked. cdc.gov/cholesterol/checked.htm
*Heart and Stroke Statistics https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-and-stroke-association-statistics