Test library
Lipid Profile Blood Test
The Cholesterol and Lipid Test measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. It is a standard blood panel used to assess cardiovascular risk and guide prevention.
Order Cholesterol & Lipid Test Panels
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Cholesterol & Lipid Test Panels- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $29
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The Cholesterol and Lipid Test measures fats circulating in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. These values are used to estimate cardiovascular risk and to guide prevention or treatment decisions. The test is often part of a routine health check and may be repeated when a clinician is monitoring the effect of diet, activity, or medication.
What this test measures
Cholesterol is a waxy substance the body needs to build cells and hormones. It travels in the blood packaged in lipoproteins. LDL is often called bad cholesterol because higher levels are linked to artery plaque, while HDL helps carry cholesterol back to the liver.
Triglycerides are another type of blood fat that reflects recent eating patterns and energy balance. A standard panel reports all four values, and some versions also include non-HDL cholesterol or a ratio. Results are interpreted together rather than in isolation.
Testing may be ordered as part of a routine check, when a clinician assesses cardiovascular risk, or when monitoring treatment. Most people need to fast for a lipid panel, though some guidelines allow a non-fasting sample. A qualified healthcare provider should interpret the results.
- Total cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Non-HDL cholesterol when reported
- Total cholesterol to HDL ratio when reported
- Apolipoprotein B when included
- Lipoprotein(a) when added to the panel
Why people order this test
- Assess cardiovascular risk with a standard blood panel
- Guide prevention discussions about diet and activity
- Monitor the effect of lipid-lowering treatment
- Identify inherited cholesterol patterns with a clinician
- Provide baseline values for future comparison
- Support risk calculation when other factors are present
How to prepare
Fasting may be requested for a lipid panel, often for several hours before the sample, so follow the instructions provided with the test order. Water and usual medications are generally allowed unless told otherwise.
Understanding your results
Results are usually available within one to two business days. Each value is interpreted with the others, the person's risk factors, and the clinical context. A qualified healthcare provider should explain what the numbers mean.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the lipid panel measure?
It measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Some panels also report ratios or related markers.
Do I need to fast for a cholesterol test?
Fasting may be requested, but some guidelines allow a non-fasting sample. Follow the instructions provided with your test order.
What is the difference between LDL and HDL?
LDL carries cholesterol to tissues and is linked to plaque buildup when elevated. HDL helps carry cholesterol back to the liver for processing.
How often should cholesterol be checked?
The interval depends on age, risk factors, and previous results. A healthcare provider can recommend an appropriate schedule.
Can the values change over time?
Yes. Diet, activity, weight, medication, and other factors can shift cholesterol and triglyceride levels between tests.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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