Skip to content

Nonesterified Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration

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

Measures the amount of free, unesterified cholesterol in serum or plasma, often as part of a lipid profile.

Quick summary

["This test measures free cholesterol circulating in the blood and may help assess cardiovascular risk."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
2094-1
Short code
NE Cholest SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
NE Cholest SerPl-mCnc
Category
lipid
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

What is this test?

This blood test measures nonesterified cholesterol, also called free cholesterol. Unlike esterified cholesterol, it is not bound to a fatty acid and circulates in a form available to tissues.

Why might I need this test?

It may be ordered with total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides to evaluate blood lipids. Your clinician may use the results as part of assessing cardiovascular risk or monitoring lipid-lowering treatment.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein and tested in a laboratory. The method compares the measured amount of nonesterified cholesterol with the amount in the blood sample.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's instructions. This test may be included in a lipid profile that requires fasting, so ask whether you should avoid food and drinks other than water beforehand.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Nonesterified cholesterol

Frequently asked questions

Is nonesterified cholesterol the same as HDL cholesterol?
No. Nonesterified cholesterol is a form of cholesterol measured by its free, unesterified state. HDL cholesterol is the amount of cholesterol carried within high-density lipoprotein particles.
Does this test require fasting?
It depends on the laboratory test order and whether it is being performed with a complete lipid profile. If fasting is required, your clinician or laboratory will provide specific instructions.
Can nonesterified cholesterol be lowered with lifestyle changes?
Cholesterol levels may improve with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and not smoking. Your clinician can recommend treatment based on your overall cardiovascular risk.
  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