Skip to content

Serum or Plasma Total Cholesterol (Mass Concentration)

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

This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, which includes both the cholesterol your body makes and the cholesterol you get from food.

Quick summary

["Cholesterol levels help assess your heart health risk."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
61350-5
Short code
LPT 2.5 ug CA Bld
Synonyms
LPT 2.5 ug CA Bld
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.8
Ref high
1.2
Critical range
— – 5 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
85610
SNOMED
396252006
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

Why It Matters for Your Health

Cholesterol is a type of fat that your body needs for many functions, but having too much can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol often doesn’t cause symptoms, so regular testing is important to stay informed.

What to Expect During the Test

You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The test is quick and usually done in a doctor’s office or lab. No special preparation is needed, but fasting (not eating) for 9–12 hours before the test may be required for more accurate results.

How the Results Are Used

Your doctor will compare your cholesterol levels to standard ranges to determine if lifestyle changes or medication might be needed. Low levels may also be checked for certain health conditions.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

High cholesterol can result from a diet high in saturated or trans fats, genetics, obesity, or certain medical conditions like diabetes. Low cholesterol may be linked to malnutrition or certain medications.

Reference range

INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A

Specimen: whole-blood

Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Total Cholesterol

Frequently asked questions

What does a high or low cholesterol result mean for me?
A high result may mean your doctor will discuss lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise) or medications to help lower it. A low result may prompt further evaluation if you have symptoms of deficiency or other health concerns.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes, fasting for 9–12 hours before the test is often recommended to get the most accurate results. Your doctor will let you know if fasting is required.
Can I take cholesterol-lowering medications before the test?
Yes, you should continue taking prescribed medications as usual. However, always check with your doctor before the test to confirm if any adjustments are needed.
  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