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Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures the amount of cholesterol in a blood sample to help assess cardiovascular risk and guide treatment.

Quick summary

["This blood test measures total cholesterol, which helps assess cardiovascular risk."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
2084-2
Short code
Cholest Ester SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Cholest Ester SerPl-mCnc
Category
lipid
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 measures the concentration of cholesterol in serum or plasma, the liquid portion of a blood sample. The result represents the total amount of cholesterol carried in the blood.

Why might I need this test?

Cholesterol testing helps assess the risk of heart disease and stroke. It may be used to monitor cholesterol-lowering treatment, evaluate metabolic health, or investigate conditions that can affect blood lipids.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected from a vein and sent to a laboratory. The laboratory measures cholesterol using an approved laboratory method, and the result is reported as a mass concentration in the blood.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your healthcare professional's instructions. You may be asked to fast before the test, and you should avoid alcohol and unusually high-fat meals for the period specified if fasting is required. Tell the laboratory if you are taking cholesterol-lowering medicines.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Higher total cholesterol levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, although risk also depends on HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and other factors. Lower-than-expected results may occur with certain health conditions, rapid weight loss, or the use of cholesterol-lowering medicines. Your healthcare professional should interpret the result alongside the rest of your lipid profile and medical history.

Short name

Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma

Frequently asked questions

Is this a fasting test?
Sometimes. Your healthcare professional or laboratory may ask you to fast for a specified period, especially when cholesterol is being evaluated together with triglycerides or other lipid measurements.
Does the result include HDL and LDL cholesterol?
This test measures total cholesterol. A complete lipid profile usually includes separate measurements of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
Can cholesterol medicines affect the result?
Yes. Cholesterol-lowering medicines can change the measured cholesterol level. Do not stop taking them without instructions from your healthcare professional.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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