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Serum or plasma concentration of cholesterol

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 from foods you eat. Cholesterol is a type of fat that helps build cell walls and produces important hormones.

Quick summary

["Your cholesterol levels help determine your risk for heart disease and other health conditions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
40096-0
Short code
PT 8h p chal PPP
Synonyms
PT 8h p chal PPP
Category
chemistry
Sample
plasma
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
Units
N/A
Ref low
44
Ref high
147
Critical range
— – 5 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
coag-tissue-factor-induced
CPT
84075
SNOMED
27550007
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?

Doctors may order this test to check your overall heart health, especially if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, a family history of heart disease, or obesity. It’s also used to monitor conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll likely have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. No special preparation is needed, but fasting (not eating or drinking) for 9–12 hours before the test can give more accurate results.

What the Results Mean

Results help doctors assess whether your cholesterol is within a healthy range. High levels may increase the risk of plaque buildup in your arteries, while low levels might indicate other health concerns.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

High cholesterol can stem from diet, genetics, or underlying conditions like obesity or diabetes. Low cholesterol may be normal but could also signal deficiencies or other health issues.

Reference range

Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A

Specimen: plasma

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

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 suggests your cholesterol may need attention, possibly through lifestyle changes or medical advice. A ‘low’ result alone isn’t necessarily concerning unless your doctor notes other symptoms or risks.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes, fasting is recommended for most cholesterol tests to get accurate results. Follow your doctor’s instructions, usually avoiding food and liquids (except water) for 9–12 hours before the draw.
Can diet affect my cholesterol test results?
Yes, what you eat before the test can influence results. Fasting ensures the test reflects your natural cholesterol levels rather than recent meals.
  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