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Total Cholesterol in Serum (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)

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

This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, a key part of your lipid profile that helps assess heart health.

Quick summary

["Cholesterol levels influence cardiovascular risk and are often checked alongside other lipid tests."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
55607-6
Short code
Trigl/HDLc SerPl-sRto
Synonyms
Trigl/HDLc SerPl-sRto
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

What Cholesterol Does in Your Body

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to function properly. It helps form cell membranes, produces hormones, and is a building block for bile acids that aid digestion. While some cholesterol is produced by your liver, much of it comes from foods like eggs, fatty meats, and fried foods.

Why It’s Important to Monitor Cholesterol

High cholesterol can build up in your arteries over time, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, or other serious health issues. This test helps doctors track your cholesterol levels and guide decisions about diet, exercise, or medications.

How the Test Works

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm and sent to a lab. The sample is processed to separate and measure the total cholesterol content using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a precise method that identifies and quantifies cholesterol accurately.

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 your doctor recommends it. This helps ensure more accurate results by reducing the impact of recent meals on cholesterol levels.

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.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Total Cholesterol

Frequently asked questions

How might my cholesterol levels affect my health?
Cholesterol levels are often evaluated alongside other lipid tests (like HDL, LDL, or triglycerides) to assess your overall cardiovascular risk. High total cholesterol may signal the need for lifestyle changes or medical treatment to lower it and reduce heart disease risk.
What if my cholesterol is too high?
If your cholesterol is elevated, your doctor may recommend dietary changes (such as reducing saturated fats), increased physical activity, or medications like statins to help lower it. Regular follow-ups can help monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Can diet or exercise change cholesterol levels?
Yes! Eating a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, increasing fiber (like in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), and staying active can help improve cholesterol levels naturally. Small, sustainable changes often yield the best long-term 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