Lipid Profile with Specific Subfractions (Cholesterol Subtypes)
This test measures different types of cholesterol in your blood, which help assess your risk for heart disease and other health conditions.
["Understanding your cholesterol subtypes can help guide heart health strategies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60653-3
- Short code
- Li-Me' Skull XR
- Synonyms
- Li-Me' Skull XR
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- xr-measured
- 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 This Test Matters
Cholesterol isn’t just one substance—it comes in several forms, each with its own role in your body. High levels of certain cholesterol types (like LDL) can build up in your arteries over time, increasing your risk for heart disease or stroke. This test helps doctors see how your body is managing these different types.
What to Expect During Testing
You’ll typically have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure specific cholesterol fractions. Results are usually ready within a few days.
Common Uses for This Test
Doctors may order this test if you have a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or other risk factors. It’s also used to monitor treatment progress for conditions like high cholesterol or to check for metabolic disorders.
What the Results Mean
Results show the amounts of different cholesterol types (like LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) in your blood. While exact values aren’t provided here, your doctor will interpret these numbers in relation to your overall health and any treatments you’re on.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Cholesterol Subtypes
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What if my results are out of range?
Can I eat or drink anything 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