Dietary Cholesterol Intake — 24-Hour Estimated Intake
Estimates the cholesterol consumed from food over 24 hours using a food record or dietary questionnaire. It does not measure blood cholesterol.
["This test estimates dietary cholesterol intake and is different from a blood cholesterol test."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81021-8
- Short code
- Cholesterol intake 24h Est
- Synonyms
- Cholesterol intake 24h Est
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- estimated
- CPT
- 82670
- SNOMED
- 490888001
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This assessment estimates how much cholesterol you consumed from food during a 24-hour period. It is usually based on a food diary, meal record, or dietary interview rather than a blood sample.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician or dietitian may use it to evaluate your eating pattern, guide nutrition counseling, or monitor changes in cholesterol intake. It is often considered along with total calories, fat, fiber, and other parts of your diet.
How is the test performed?
You may be asked to list everything you ate and drank during the previous 24 hours, including portion sizes and preparation methods. Your record is then compared with nutrition information to estimate cholesterol intake.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by your clinic or dietitian. If completing a food record, include meals, snacks, beverages, supplements, and restaurant foods, and note cooking methods when possible.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
Fasting for 12-14 hours preferred. Water is permitted. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A higher or lower estimate may indicate that your recent diet contained more or less cholesterol than desired. The result should be interpreted alongside your overall dietary pattern, medical history, and any blood cholesterol measurements. Because a single 24-hour record may not represent your usual intake, repeated assessments can be more informative.
Short name
24-hour dietary cholesterol estimate
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a cholesterol blood test?
Do I need to fast for this test?
Does the result diagnose high cholesterol?
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