Cholesterol (Total) in Serum
This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, which is an important part of your overall heart health.
["Your total cholesterol level helps assess your risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87872-8
- Short code
- CT Clavicle-R
- Synonyms
- CT Clavicle-R
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order this test to evaluate your cholesterol levels, monitor existing heart health conditions, or check for risk factors like high cholesterol that could lead to serious health issues over time. It’s often part of a broader cardiovascular screening.
What Does the Result Mean?
While specific reference ranges vary by lab, higher-than-normal cholesterol levels may indicate an increased risk of plaque buildup in your arteries, which can restrict blood flow and raise the risk of heart attack or stroke. Lower-than-normal levels might suggest other health concerns that need further investigation.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and sent to a lab. The serum (liquid part of blood after clotting) is analyzed to measure cholesterol concentration using a standardized method.
What Can Affect Results?
Several factors can influence cholesterol levels, including diet (especially saturated and trans fats), physical activity, genetics, certain medications (like cholesterol-lowering drugs), and underlying health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cholesterol plays a critical role in cell membrane structure and hormone production, but excessively high levels can lead to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Regular monitoring helps manage risk and guide lifestyle or medical interventions.
Short name
Total Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
What are the normal cholesterol levels?
Could my cholesterol levels be affected by recent meals or medications?
Is there anything I should do to prepare for this test?
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