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Total Cholesterol with Albumin Ratio (Serum)

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

This test measures the ratio of your total cholesterol to albumin in your blood serum. It helps assess how well your cholesterol is bound to albumin, which can indicate risks related to lipid metabolism or protein binding disorders.

Quick summary

["Understanding how your cholesterol interacts with albumin in your blood can provide insights into cardiovascular health and potential protein-related conditions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
45229-2
Short code
T cati Ab Ser Ql
Synonyms
T cati Ab Ser Ql
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

What Is the Purpose of This Test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate how albumin binds to cholesterol in your blood. This ratio can be useful in diagnosing or monitoring conditions affecting lipid metabolism, protein binding, or conditions like nephrotic syndrome, where protein loss in urine may alter blood protein levels.

How Is This Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The serum portion is separated and analyzed to determine the ratio of total cholesterol to albumin levels.

What Are Common Reasons for This Test?

This test may be recommended if you have symptoms or risk factors for conditions like high cholesterol, kidney disease, or protein disorders. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for metabolic or endocrine issues.

What Do Results Typically Mean?

Results provide a ratio that reflects how cholesterol is distributed in your bloodstream. Abnormal ratios may suggest issues with albumin function, lipid metabolism, or conditions affecting protein synthesis or excretion.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Total Cholesterol-Albumin Ratio

Frequently asked questions

Why might my healthcare provider ask for this test?
They may order it if you have symptoms like unexplained weight changes, swelling, or if they suspect conditions like nephrotic syndrome, liver disease, or metabolic disorders that affect protein or lipid metabolism.
What should I do if my results are outside of expected ranges?
Discuss your results with your healthcare provider. They will interpret the ratio in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and other test results to guide next steps, such as additional testing or lifestyle recommendations.
Can I prepare for this test in any special way?
No special preparation is needed, but avoid heavy meals before the blood draw. If you have questions about fasting or medications, check with your provider.
  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