Total Cholesterol (Serum)
This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood serum. Cholesterol is a type of fat your body needs for healthy cell function, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
["Your cholesterol levels help assess heart health and risk of cardiovascular disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61302-6
- Short code
- London Plane IgE/IgE total %
- Synonyms
- London Plane IgE/IgE total %
- 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 doctor may order this test to check your overall cholesterol levels, monitor existing heart health conditions, or evaluate risk factors for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. It’s often part of a broader lipid panel that also includes HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 9–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a lipid panel. Bring any medications you’re currently taking, as some can affect cholesterol levels.
How the Test Works
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure total cholesterol. The test looks for all types of cholesterol combined, including HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol).
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a total cholesterol number (e.g., 200 mg/dL). While exact ranges vary by lab, higher-than-normal levels may signal increased risk for heart disease or stroke, prompting lifestyle changes or further testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Total cholesterol is a key marker for cardiovascular risk. While it doesn’t directly indicate heart disease, it helps doctors assess whether your cholesterol levels are healthy or need intervention. High cholesterol often requires dietary adjustments, exercise, or medication to lower LDL and improve overall heart health.
Short name
Total Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
What causes high cholesterol?
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