Serum/plasma concentration of cholesterol (total)
This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, which is important for heart health and overall well-being.
["Cholesterol levels help assess your risk for cardiovascular disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12694-6
- Short code
- GH p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- GH p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for high cholesterol, monitor existing conditions like high cholesterol or heart disease, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions. It can also be part of routine health screenings, especially for adults over 20 years old.
What Does the Test Measure?
Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. It’s essential for cell function but can build up in your arteries if levels are too high, increasing the risk of heart problems. This test measures the total cholesterol, which includes both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it is analyzed to determine the total cholesterol concentration.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are typically reported as a numerical value representing the cholesterol concentration in your blood. While specific reference ranges can vary by lab, higher than expected levels may indicate an increased risk of heart disease or other health concerns.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: High cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Low levels may suggest deficiencies or other underlying health issues, though this is less common. Regular monitoring helps manage risk factors and guide treatment decisions.
Short name
Total Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
What causes high cholesterol levels?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy