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Cholesterol, Body Fluid — Substance Concentration

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

Measures cholesterol in a body-fluid sample. The result must be interpreted according to the specific fluid collected and your clinical situation.

Quick summary

["This test measures cholesterol in a body fluid, but its meaning depends on which fluid was tested."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
29765-5
Short code
Cholest Fld-sCnc
Synonyms
Cholest Fld-sCnc
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 amount of cholesterol in a body-fluid sample. Body fluids can include cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, or another fluid specified by your clinician.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test to evaluate cholesterol-related changes associated with a particular illness, treatment, or concern in a specific body fluid. The purpose depends on the fluid being tested.

How is the test performed?

A laboratory analyzes the submitted fluid using a validated method for measuring cholesterol. The sample may be collected during a fluid aspiration or obtained by another method directed by your healthcare professional.

How do I prepare for the test?

Preparation depends on the type of fluid sample and the collection procedure. Follow your clinician's instructions about fasting, medication use, and specimen collection, and ask if anything is unclear.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Body fluid cholesterol

Frequently asked questions

Does this test measure cholesterol in blood?
Not necessarily. The abbreviation “fld” indicates a body-fluid specimen, and the specific fluid must be identified in the test order or laboratory report.
Is fasting required?
It depends on the fluid and the reason for testing. Fasting may sometimes affect cholesterol measurements, so follow any fasting instructions provided by your clinician or laboratory.
Why is there no single reference range for this result?
Expected cholesterol concentrations differ by body fluid and clinical context. The laboratory or clinician should interpret the result using the range appropriate for that specimen and situation.
  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