Total Cholesterol, Serum
A blood test that measures the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including cholesterol carried by all major lipoproteins.
["Total cholesterol helps assess cardiovascular risk and is often interpreted together with HDL and LDL cholesterol."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70261-3
- Short code
- Chol Prt/Ser
- Synonyms
- Chol Prt/Ser
- 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 total cholesterol in serum, the liquid portion of blood. Total cholesterol includes cholesterol carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and other lipoproteins.
Why might I need this test?
Total cholesterol is commonly checked during routine health visits, when screening for high cholesterol, or when monitoring treatment for abnormal lipid levels. It is usually considered with HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and your overall cardiovascular risk factors.
How is the test performed?
A small blood sample is collected by inserting a needle into a vein. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where cholesterol is measured and the result is usually reported as a concentration in the blood.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's or laboratory's instructions. Some cholesterol tests require fasting for about 9 to 12 hours, while others do not; water is generally permitted unless you are told otherwise. Avoid alcohol and unusually large meals the night before if fasting is required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A high total cholesterol level may increase the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries and cardiovascular disease. An unexpectedly low level can occur with certain health conditions, nutritional problems, or medications. Results should be interpreted with HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and the rest of your health history rather than alone.
Short name
Total cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Is total cholesterol the same as LDL cholesterol?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Does a high result mean I have heart disease?
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