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Blood Cholesterol

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood and helps assess cardiovascular risk.

Quick summary

["This test helps determine whether your cholesterol level may increase your risk of heart disease or stroke."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
58292-4
Short code
Hgh blood cholesterol
Synonyms
Hgh blood cholesterol
Category
lipid
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
SNOMED
490888001
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

A blood cholesterol test measures total cholesterol and may also include LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. These measurements help estimate how much fat is present in your blood and how your cholesterol may affect cardiovascular health.

Why might I need this test?

Your clinician may order this test to screen for high cholesterol, monitor treatment, or assess your risk of heart disease and stroke. It may also be checked during routine preventive care or when another health condition requires evaluation.

How is the test performed?

A small blood sample is collected from a vein, usually from your arm. The sample is analyzed in a laboratory to determine the cholesterol measurements requested by your clinician.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow any preparation instructions from your clinician. Some cholesterol tests require fasting, while others do not. If fasting is requested, avoid food and beverages other than water for the period specified by the healthcare provider.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Higher cholesterol levels can increase the risk of fatty plaque buildup in arteries, which may contribute to heart disease or stroke. Low cholesterol can also occur for many reasons, so an unexpected result should be interpreted by your clinician along with your medical history and other risk factors.

Short name

Cholesterol test

Frequently asked questions

Does this test diagnose heart disease?
No. It estimates your cholesterol-related risk but does not by itself confirm or rule out heart disease.
Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test?
It depends on the specific test ordered. Some lipid tests require fasting, while many modern cholesterol tests can be performed without fasting.
What can change my cholesterol results?
Diet, weight, physical activity, smoking, medications, and certain medical conditions can affect cholesterol levels. Tell your clinician about recent changes and medicines you are taking.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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