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Total Cholesterol

Published: July 31, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

A blood test that measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood to evaluate your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Quick summary

{"Measures the total amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream","Fasting for 9-12 hours before the test is typically required","Desirable level is less than 200 mg/dL","Higher levels increase risk of heart disease and stroke","Often part of a larger lipid panel test"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
2093-3
Short code
Total Cholesterol
Synonyms
—
Category
lipid
Sample
serum
Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST/Gold Top) or Plain Red Top Tube
Units
mg/dL
Ref low
0
Ref high
200
Critical range
100 mg/dL – 350 mg/dL
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
enzymatic
CPT
82465
SNOMED
368009
Specimen volume
1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
Stability
Room temperature: 7 days, Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days, Frozen (-20°C or below): 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
1–3 hours

What is this test?

The total cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods.

Why do I need this test?

Your doctor may order a total cholesterol test as part of routine screening or if you have risk factors for heart disease. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know if your levels are too high. This test helps your healthcare provider assess your risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

How do I prepare for the test?

Typically, you will need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 9-12 hours before the test. You should also avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as some drugs can affect cholesterol levels. It's best to have the test done in the morning.

What happens during the test?

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test itself takes only a few minutes.

Understanding your results

Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL are considered desirable. Levels between 200-239 mg/dL are considered borderline high, and levels of 240 mg/dL or above are considered high. However, your doctor will interpret your results based on your overall health, age, and other risk factors.

Reference range

< 200mg/dL

Specimen: serum

Patient should fast for 9-12 hours for most accurate results. Water consumption is permitted. Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise 24 hours prior to collection. Inform physician of current medications including statins, corticosteroids, and hormonal therapies.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings2

Short name

TC

Part of panels

lipid-panellipid-panel-extendedcardiac-panelcardiovascular-screening-basicdiabetes-risk-screeningdiabetes-comprehensive-managementcardiovascular-comprehensivemale-cardiovascular-riskhealth-check-executive

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to fast before the test?
Yes, fasting for 9-12 hours is typically required for an accurate total cholesterol reading. Food and beverages can temporarily affect your cholesterol levels. You may drink water during the fasting period. Some newer tests don't require fasting, but traditional cholesterol tests do.
How often should I have my cholesterol checked?
Adults aged 20 or older should have their cholesterol checked at least once every 4-6 years. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you have risk factors such as family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or if you are overweight. Men aged 45-65 and women aged 55-65 should be tested more frequently.
What can I do to lower my cholesterol levels?
Lifestyle changes can significantly lower cholesterol levels. These include: eating a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol; exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes most days; maintaining a healthy weight; quitting smoking; and limiting alcohol consumption. Your doctor may also prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications if lifestyle changes aren't sufficient.
Can cholesterol levels change quickly?
Cholesterol levels can fluctuate, but they don't change dramatically from day to day. Significant changes usually occur over weeks or months. This is why a single test result is not always enough to diagnose high cholesterol - your doctor may want to repeat the test to confirm the results.
What is the difference between total cholesterol and LDL/HDL?
Total cholesterol is the sum of all cholesterol types in your blood. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often called 'bad' cholesterol because it can build up in artery walls. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is called 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from your bloodstream. A complete lipid panel provides more detailed information than total cholesterol alone.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic - Cholesterol testSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus - Cholesterol levelsSource
  3. 3
    American Heart Association - Understanding CholesterolSource
  4. 4
    CDC - Cholesterol InformationSource

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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy