Cholesterol — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of cholesterol in a laboratory sample. Blood cholesterol is commonly used with other tests to help assess cardiovascular risk.
["This test measures cholesterol, which helps provide information about lipid status and cardiovascular risk when performed on a blood sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56912-9
- Short code
- Cholest Pcar-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cholest Pcar-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 laboratory test measures the concentration of cholesterol in the submitted sample. When the sample is blood, the result may be used as part of an overall assessment of cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.
Why might I need this test?
Clinicians may order a cholesterol test to evaluate lipid status, monitor treatment or dietary changes, or help assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol may also be measured in other body-fluid samples in certain clinical situations.
How is the test performed?
A sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory using a validated method that measures the amount of cholesterol present. If this is a blood test, the laboratory may use an enzymatic or colorimetric assay.
How do I prepare for the test?
Preparation depends on the type of sample and the instructions provided by your clinician. Some cholesterol tests require fasting; if fasting is requested, follow the clinic's instructions and avoid food and drinks other than water for the specified period.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Higher cholesterol levels can increase the risk of plaque buildup and cardiovascular disease, particularly when accompanied by high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, or other risk factors. Lower-than-expected values may occur with certain illnesses, poor nutrition, or other clinical conditions. Interpretation depends on the sample type, the method used, and the reference range appropriate for that test.
Short name
Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Does a cholesterol test require fasting?
Is cholesterol the same as HDL or LDL?
Can this test be performed on samples other than blood?
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