Cholesterol Tests (Excluding LDL Cholesterol)
Blood tests that measure cholesterol and related blood fats other than LDL cholesterol, such as total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, or non-HDL cholesterol.
["These tests help assess cardiovascular risk by measuring blood cholesterol and related fats without directly measuring LDL cholesterol."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90987-9
- Short code
- HEDIS 2019-20 Chol Tests not LDL
- Synonyms
- HEDIS 2019-20 Chol Tests not LDL
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83721
- SNOMED
- 113079007
- 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 group of blood tests measures cholesterol and related blood fats other than LDL cholesterol. Depending on the order, it may include total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and calculated non-HDL cholesterol.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order these tests to estimate your risk of heart disease and stroke or to monitor cholesterol-lowering treatment. They may also be used to assess cholesterol levels in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of cardiovascular disease.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Some results, such as non-HDL cholesterol, may be calculated from other measured values.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting may be requested, although some cholesterol tests can be performed without fasting. If fasting is required, follow your clinician's instructions and avoid alcohol and a high-fat meal beforehand; drinking plain water is generally encouraged.
Reference range
Optimal: <100 mg/dLN/A
Fasting for 12-14 hours preferred. Water is permitted. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High total cholesterol or non-HDL cholesterol can indicate increased cardiovascular risk, while low HDL cholesterol may add to that risk. Abnormal results should be interpreted with your age, medical history, blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes, and other risk factors. These measurements do not by themselves diagnose a heart attack, stroke, or another condition.
Short name
Non-LDL Cholesterol Tests
Frequently asked questions
Does this test include LDL cholesterol?
Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test?
Can these results determine whether 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