Serum or plasma cholesterol (total)
This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, which includes both the cholesterol your body makes and that which comes from foods.
["Cholesterol levels help assess your risk for heart disease and other health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102288-8
- Short code
- Egg Yolk IgE RAST
- Synonyms
- Egg Yolk IgE RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- rast
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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?
Your doctor may order this test to check for high cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, or other health problems. It’s often part of routine check-ups or if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a lipid panel. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor. Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, and it usually takes a few minutes.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a single number (total cholesterol) rather than separate values for HDL, LDL, or triglycerides. High levels may signal the need for lifestyle changes or medication to manage cholesterol.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High cholesterol can result from diet, genetics, or underlying health conditions like obesity or diabetes. Low levels may occur if your body isn’t absorbing enough fat or if you have certain medications.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cholesterol plays a critical role in cell function, but high levels of certain types (like LDL) can build up in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Regular monitoring helps manage this risk.
Short name
Total cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
What does a high total cholesterol level mean?
How can I lower my cholesterol naturally?
Do I need to fast before 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy