Serum or Plasma Total Cholesterol with Specific Subfractions (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides)
This test measures different types of cholesterol and fats in your blood, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides.
["Understanding your cholesterol and fat levels helps assess heart health and risk of cardiovascular disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35469-6
- Short code
- CDT
- Synonyms
- CDT Disialo/CDT Tetrasialo SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum collection tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.011
- Critical range
- — – 0.016 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Capillary electrophoresis or HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- CPT
- 82373
- SNOMED
- 395146009
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Cholesterol and Fat Levels Matter
Cholesterol and fats (lipids) are important for cell function, but high levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Your doctor may recommend this test if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart problems.
What the Test Measures
Total cholesterol combines LDL (often called 'bad cholesterol'), HDL (often called 'good cholesterol'), and triglycerides. LDL carries cholesterol to your arteries, while HDL helps remove it. Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is processed to separate serum or plasma, then analyzed using advanced techniques to measure each component accurately.
What the Results Mean
Results help your healthcare provider determine if your cholesterol and fat levels are healthy or if lifestyle or medical interventions are needed. They may also compare your results to your baseline or family history.
Reference range
Disialo/Tetrasialo transferrin ratio: <0.011 (normal); 0.011-0.016 (borderline); >0.016 (elevated, suggestive of congenital disorders of glycosylation)N/A
No fasting required. Recent alcohol consumption can falsely elevate CDT levels and should be avoided for at least 2 weeks prior to testing when evaluating for alcohol use.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High LDL or triglycerides and low HDL levels are linked to an increased risk of plaque buildup in arteries, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Regular monitoring helps manage this risk through diet, exercise, and medications if needed.
Short name
None
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal cholesterol or fat levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy