Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
A blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol in serum or plasma. It is commonly used to assess cardiovascular risk and monitor cholesterol-lowering treatment.
["This test measures blood cholesterol and helps assess heart and blood-vessel risk."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2093-3
- Short code
- Cholest SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cholest 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 a blood sample. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that helps form cell membranes and supports hormones and other important bodily functions.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test to evaluate cardiovascular risk, investigate a suspected cholesterol problem, or monitor treatment for high cholesterol. It is often read alongside HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride results.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional draws blood from a vein, usually from the inside of your elbow. The sample may be allowed to clot so that serum can be separated, or it may be tested as plasma.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow any fasting instructions provided by your clinician, because eating can temporarily affect cholesterol measurements. If fasting is requested, avoid food and drinks other than water for the specified period; otherwise, continue your usual diet and medication routine unless instructed otherwise.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High cholesterol concentrations may increase the risk of plaque buildup in arteries, which can contribute to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Low cholesterol can occur for several reasons, including genetics, medications, malnutrition, or other health conditions. Your clinician should interpret the result with your other cholesterol measurements, medical history, and risk factors.
Short name
Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Does this test measure all types of cholesterol?
Do I need to fast before the test?
Can medications or supplements affect the result?
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