Total Cholesterol (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood serum. Cholesterol is a type of fat that your body needs for healthy cell function, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
["Your cholesterol levels help assess your risk for heart disease and other health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57933-4
- Short code
- CHEESEMOLD
- Synonyms
- Cheese Mold IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 1–99 years
- Method
- Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) / ImmunoCAP
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39513007
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable at room temperature for 8 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days; frozen (-20°C or below) for up to 1 year. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order a total cholesterol test to monitor your heart health, especially if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or if you’re planning to take medications that affect cholesterol.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 12 hours before the test if your doctor recommends it. Bring any medications you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Works
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure cholesterol levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a single number (total cholesterol) and may be used alongside other tests (like HDL or LDL) to assess your risk. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.
Reference range
IgE total: <100 IU/mL (adult); Specific IgE antibody: <0.35 kU/L (Class 0 - Negative); 0.35-0.70 kU/L (Class 1 - Low); 0.71-3.50 kU/L (Class 2 - Moderate); 3.51-17.50 kU/L (Class 3 - High); 17.51-50.00 kU/L (Class 4 - Very High); 50.01-100.00 kU/L (Class 5 - Very High); >100.00 kU/L (Class 6 - Very High)N/A
No fasting required. Patient should discontinue antihistamine medications only if directed by ordering physician; however, antihistamines do not affect IgE antibody levels. Avoid sample collection during active infection or acute illness if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
High cholesterol levels can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or further testing if levels are elevated.
A high total cholesterol level may indicate an increased risk of heart disease or other cardiovascular issues. Your doctor will discuss your results and next steps, such as diet, exercise, or medication, based on your overall health.
Yes, diet can influence cholesterol levels. Fasting before the test helps provide a more accurate reading, but eating a standard diet the day before won’t affect the test itself. Your doctor may recommend dietary changes if your results are high.
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