Total Cholesterol (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, which includes both the cholesterol your body makes and the cholesterol you get from foods like eggs and fatty meats.
["Cholesterol levels help assess your risk for heart disease and other health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61249-9
- Short code
- CLADO
- Synonyms
- C herbarum 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
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 10127009
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; stable for 1 month at -20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Cholesterol is a type of fat that your body needs to work properly, but having too much can build up in your arteries, making it harder for blood to flow freely. High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically have a small amount of blood drawn from your arm. No special preparation is needed, but you may want to avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) for 12 hours before the test if instructed by your healthcare provider.
What the Results Mean
Your results will show your total cholesterol level. While exact reference ranges vary by lab, higher-than-normal levels may signal a need for lifestyle changes or medical advice to manage your health.
Common Causes of High Cholesterol
Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol, including diet high in saturated fats, lack of physical activity, obesity, genetics, and certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Reference range
Class 0: <0.35 kU/L (Negative/Below detection); Class 1: 0.35-0.69 kU/L (Low positive); Class 2: 0.70-3.49 kU/L (Moderate positive); Class 3: 3.50-17.49 kU/L (High positive); Class 4: 17.50-49.99 kU/L (Very high positive); Class 5: 50.00-99.99 kU/L (Very high positive); Class 6: ≥100 kU/L (Extremely high positive). Total IgE reference range: 0-100 kU/L (adults may vary by age).N/A
No special patient preparation required. Sample can be collected at any time of day.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High total cholesterol levels are a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Over time, excess cholesterol can form plaques in your arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. This can lead to serious health problems, including heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery disease.
Short name
Total Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
What does a high total cholesterol level mean?
How can I lower my cholesterol naturally?
Does stress affect cholesterol levels?
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