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2-Hour Postprandial Plasma Total Cholesterol

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

This test measures your cholesterol level in plasma 2 hours after eating. It helps assess how your body handles cholesterol after meals.

Quick summary

["Helps evaluate cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular risk after eating."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
33487-0
Short code
Symptoms 2h p Lac PO Patient-Imp
Synonyms
Symptoms 2h p Lac PO Patient-Imp
Category
coagulation
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
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
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 Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have risk factors for high cholesterol, such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or obesity. It can also be used to monitor treatment effectiveness for conditions like hypercholesterolemia.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll typically fast for 12 hours before the test, but this 2-hour postprandial test requires eating a standard meal beforehand. Blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm, usually in a clinic or lab setting.

What the Results Mean

Cholesterol levels in this test reflect how your body absorbs and processes dietary fats. High levels may indicate poor cholesterol management or underlying metabolic issues, while normal levels suggest healthy post-meal handling.

Common Causes of Abnormal Results

Elevated levels may be due to diet, genetics, or conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders. Low levels could signal malabsorption issues or certain medications.

Reference range

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

Specimen: serum

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.

This test helps identify how well your body processes cholesterol after meals, which can reveal metabolic patterns not captured by fasting tests alone. It’s particularly useful for patients with suspected postprandial dyslipidemia or those on cholesterol-lowering therapies.

Short name

2h TChol (Plasma)

Frequently asked questions

What does a ‘2-hour postprandial’ test mean?
It means the blood sample is taken 2 hours after you’ve eaten a meal. This timing helps assess how your body handles cholesterol after consuming fats, which can differ from fasting levels.
Why is this test different from a regular cholesterol test?
A regular cholesterol test (often fasting) measures baseline levels, while this test evaluates how your body responds to dietary fats. It can detect issues like delayed cholesterol clearance that might not appear in fasting samples.
Can I eat before this test?
Yes, you must eat a standard meal before the test, but you’ll be asked to fast for 12 hours before that meal to ensure accurate results.
  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