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Total Cholesterol in Serum or Plasma

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

This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, which includes both HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs for cell function but can become harmful if levels are too high.

Quick summary

["Your cholesterol level helps assess your risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
44733-4
Short code
Trigl/HDLc SerPl
Synonyms
Trigl/HDLc SerPl
Category
glucose
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
40
Ref high
60
Fasting
true
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
83700
SNOMED
113079008
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 cholesterol levels, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, or diabetes. It’s often part of a routine cardiovascular health screening or if you’re taking medications to manage cholesterol.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 12 hours before the test if it’s part of a lipid panel. If you’re unsure, ask your healthcare provider. The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, insert a small needle into your arm, and collect a blood sample into a tube. The process is quick and typically causes only mild discomfort.

What Are the Results?

Results are usually reported as a total cholesterol number (in mg/dL or mmol/L). While specific reference ranges vary by lab, high levels may indicate an increased risk for heart disease, while low levels might raise concerns about nutrient deficiencies.

Reference range

Adult males: >40 mg/dL; Females: >50 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: serum

Fasting for 12-14 hours preferred. Water is permitted. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before the test.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Cholesterol Level

Frequently asked questions

What does a high cholesterol level mean?
A high cholesterol level may mean your body isn’t processing cholesterol efficiently, or you may have a genetic predisposition. It doesn’t always cause symptoms, so regular monitoring is important to manage risk factors like diet, exercise, and medications if needed.
How can I lower my cholesterol?
Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet low in saturated fats, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can help lower cholesterol. Some people may also need medication prescribed by their doctor.
Does fasting affect this test?
Yes, if this test is part of a lipid panel, fasting for 12 hours before the blood draw is usually required to get accurate results. If you’re unsure, always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
  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