Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Ultracentrifugation, Mass Concentration
Measures total cholesterol in serum or plasma using ultracentrifugation to help assess cardiovascular risk and guide lipid-lowering treatment.
["This test measures blood cholesterol, which helps estimate the risk of plaque-related heart and blood vessel disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48620-9
- Short code
- Cholest SerPl.Ultracent-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cholest SerPl.Ultracent-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 amount of cholesterol in your blood. Serum or plasma is the liquid portion of a blood sample after blood cells have been separated or removed.
Why might I need this test?
Cholesterol testing may be used to help estimate your risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. It is also commonly used to monitor diet, lifestyle changes, or cholesterol-lowering medication.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and the laboratory uses ultracentrifugation to separate cholesterol-containing particles and measure their cholesterol content. The result is usually considered with other parts of your lipid profile, such as HDL and LDL cholesterol.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's fasting instructions. Some cholesterol tests require an overnight fast, while others do not; drinking water is generally encouraged. Take medications as directed unless your clinician tells you otherwise.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A high cholesterol level can increase the risk of fatty plaque buildup in arteries, particularly when other cardiovascular risk factors are also present. Low cholesterol may be related to treatment, dietary changes, or other health conditions. Your clinician should interpret the result with the rest of your lipid profile and medical history.
Short name
Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Does a high cholesterol result mean I have heart disease?
Do I need to fast before this test?
How often should cholesterol be checked?
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