Lipid Panel Cholesterol Blood Test
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Test Code: 303756
Specimen Type: Blood
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Description:
Lipid Panel Cholesterol Blood Test (Labcorp)
What is the purpose of a Lipid Panel?
The Lipid Panel test is the standard and most commonly ordered test to check cholesterol levels. While cholesterol is often discussed in a negative context, your body actually needs healthy levels of cholesterol to perform important functions including the production of hormones that are essential for growth and reproduction, the development of cells in tissues and organs throughout the body, and the absorption of nutrients from the food you eat. However, excess cholesterol can cause the buildup of fatty deposits known as plaques in the blood vessels. Plaques cause the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, leading to heart disease or events like a heart attack or stroke.
What causes high cholesterol?
Too much cholesterol can result from your diet, especially if you eat foods high in saturated fats and salt and don't consume enough fruits and vegetables. Lifestyle habits such as smoking drinking too much alcohol, and not getting enough exercise can also contribute to high cholesterol. Other factors such as family history, diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and certain medications can all elevate cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol testing is an important part of maintaining good health. High cholesterol has no specific symptoms but it can lead to serious long-term health complications if left unaddressed. Checking your cholesterol levels regularly can help identify problems early before they impact your health. This can help you and your doctor determine the best course of action. This may include lifestyle changes like diet and exercise or medication.
Adults over 20 are recommended to check their cholesterol levels at least every few years. People with one or more risk factors such as smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease should test more frequently.
What is included in a Lipid Panel?
The Lipid Panel Blood Test includes:
- Total Cholesterol - A measure of all cholesterol.
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)* - The "bad" cholesterol which contributes to build-up in the blood vessels.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) - The "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol and transport it to the liver to be removed from the body.
- Triglycerides - Excess fats that can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) - Contains high amounts of Triglycerides. Increased VLDL is often indicative of an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
A standard lipid panel may not be able to accurately calculate LDL levels when a person's Triglyceride level is over 800 mg. In this case, a Direct LDL test is recommended.
How long does a Lipid Panel take?
Turnaround time for the Online Lipid Panel is typically 1 business day.
Where can I find a Lipid Panel near me?
Check our lab finder to locate a collection site in your area.
Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.
Requirements:
A stable diet is recommended for 2-3 weeks prior to specimen collection.
Fasting is not required. However, fasting for 12-14 hours is recommended in cases where triglyceride levels are being used to aid in identifying conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia (an inherited genetic disorder), early onset heart disease, pancreatitis, or hypertriglyceridemia. People with triglyceride levels over 800 mg may still need to fast for accurate LDL calculation.
Lipid-Cholesterol OverviewCategories:
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- Diabetes
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- Heart Health
- Kidney Disease
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