Cholesterol Intake, 24-Hour Measured
Measures the amount of dietary cholesterol reported in food and drink consumed over 24 hours. It is based on a dietary record and is different from a blood cholesterol test.
["This test estimates your dietary cholesterol intake from the foods and drinks recorded over one day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81022-6
- Short code
- Cholesterol intake 24h Measured
- Synonyms
- Cholesterol intake 24h Measured
- 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
- measured
- 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 test estimates the total cholesterol consumed in your food and beverages during a 24-hour period. The amount is calculated from the items and portion sizes you report, so it reflects recorded dietary intake rather than cholesterol circulating in your blood.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician or dietitian may use this information to assess your eating pattern, provide nutrition counseling, or evaluate a cholesterol-related dietary plan. It may be used alongside other measures of overall nutrition and cardiovascular risk.
How is the test performed?
You will usually record everything you eat and drink for 24 hours, including portion sizes, preparation methods, and brands when relevant. Your clinician or dietitian then uses the completed record to estimate total cholesterol intake.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by your clinician or dietitian. Record all foods, beverages, supplements, and portion sizes for the full 24-hour period, and include restaurant or packaged items. A typical day is often requested, but your clinician may provide specific instructions for when and how the record should be completed.
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 result indicates that more cholesterol was reported in your diet, while a lower result indicates less. These findings do not by themselves diagnose high blood cholesterol or another health condition, because the result depends on the completeness and accuracy of your food record.
Short name
24-Hour Cholesterol Intake
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a cholesterol blood test?
What should I record?
Does eating no cholesterol mean my result will be zero?
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