Total Cholesterol (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, a key part of your lipid profile that helps assess heart and vascular health.
["Cholesterol levels help determine your risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38255-6
- Short code
- CATDANDER
- Synonyms
- Cat Dander IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay / FEIA or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay / CLIA)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39579002
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 1 month. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why It Matters in Your Health
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs to produce hormones, vitamin D, and cell membranes. However, high cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke. Your doctor may recommend this test if you have a family history of high cholesterol, risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, or if you’re over age 20.
How the Test Works
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm and sent to a lab. The cholesterol in your serum (liquid part of blood without blood cells) is measured using a chemical method that detects the total cholesterol content.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may eat and drink normally before your blood draw. If you’re on certain medications (like cholesterol-lowering drugs), let your healthcare provider know before your appointment.
What to Expect After the Test
After your blood is drawn, you’ll likely feel a slight pinch or discomfort for a few seconds. A bandage will cover the site, and you can resume normal activities immediately. Results are typically ready within a few days and shared with your doctor.
Reference range
Negative: <0.35 kU/L; Equivocal: 0.35-0.69 kU/L; Positive: 0.70-3.49 kU/L (Low), 3.50-17.49 kU/L (Moderate), 17.50-49.99 kU/L (High), 50.00-99.99 kU/L (Very High), ≥100 kU/L (Very High). Total IgE reference range: 0-100 kU/L (adults), age-dependent in pediatric populations.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all current medications, including antihistamines, as these do not typically affect IgE antibody levels but underlying allergic conditions may. Avoid recent immunotherapy injections if monitoring treatment response.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low cholesterol level mean for my health?
Can diet or exercise affect cholesterol levels?
How often should I get this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy