Cholesterol Testing
FAQ
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What does a cholesterol panel test for?
A blood cholesterol panel is used to evaluate a person's risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) are an important risk factor for:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart disease
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At what age should cholesterol testing begin?
Most doctors recommend that cholesterol testing should begin in childhood and adolescence. It's best to begin early, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, where preventive and regular testing is recommended.
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How accurate is cholesterol testing?
Cholesterol blood tests are accurate and reliable methods for assessing your lipid profile. There are many different cholesterol tests, but all values can be used to calculate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
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How long should you fast for cholesterol testing?
You should fast for 12 hours minimum before your blood cholesterol panel.
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What is NMR in cholesterol testing?
NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) is a non-invasive common technique used to determine bloodstream cholesterol concentration in less than five minutes.
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Do I need to visit a doctor?
No doctor visit needed.
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How do I get my results?
You get your results via email as soon as they are available.
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Does my lab prescription expire?
Your lab prescription never expires.*
- Low prices since 2005
- Same day lab order by email
- Labs within 1 mile of 90% of the US
- Lab test prescriptions NEVER expire*
- Over 650 blood work labs to choose from
- Secure, encrypted & accurate testing
- Low prices since 2005
- Same day lab order by email
- Labs within 1 mile of 90% of the US
- Lab test prescriptions NEVER expire*
- Over 4000 blood work locations + 650 different blood tests to choose from
- Secure, encrypted & accurate testing
Lipid Panel (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $53.99
The Lipid Profile will provide you with detailed information about your cholesterol and related chemistries that affect heart health.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Name(s):
Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Name(s):
Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL
Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (calculated); triglycerides; Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated).
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours prior to collection of the specimen.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Lipoprotein (a) (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $55.49
Measurement of lipoprotein (a) is now recommended in several patient subgroups for whom excess lipoprotein (a) may have important clinical consequences: (1) patients with premature atherosclerosis, (2) patients with a strong family history of premature coronary heart disease (CHD), (3) patients with elevated LDLC and greater than or equal to two risk factors, (4) patients who have had coronary angioplasty in whom lipoprotein (a) excess may increase the risk of restenosis, and (5) patients who have undergone coronary bypass graft surgery in whom Lp(a) excess may be associated with graft stenosis.
Elevated concentrations of Lp(a) are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Name(s):
Lp (a), Lipoprotein Little a, Lp Little a
A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Alternative Name(s):
Lp (a), Lipoprotein Little a, Lp Little a
Lipoprotein (a)
No fasting required.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Lipid Panel with Ratios (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $55.99
Evaluation of hyperlipidemia as an index to coronary artery disease.
Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol (calculated), Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated), LDL/HDL Ratio (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Ultimate Healthy Heart Cholesterol Profile (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $97.99
The Lipid Profile will provide you with detailed information about your cholesterol and related chemistries that affect heart health. The Ultimate Healthy Heart Cholesterol Profile is our regular Lipid Profile with the addition of cardiac c-reactive protein (CRP).
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment)
Lipid Panel: Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (calculated); triglycerides; Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
Lipid Panel: Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (calculated); triglycerides; Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
Patient should fast for 9-12 hours prior to collection of the specimen. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverage other than water for at least 9-12 hours before testing.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Lipid Panel with Ratios, HgbA1c and Glucose (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $98.99
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Glucose, Serum
Hemoglobin (Hgb) A1c
Lipid Panel with Ratios: Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol (calculated), Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated), LDL/HDL Ratio (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
Hemoglobin (Hgb) A1c
Lipid Panel with Ratios: Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol (calculated), Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated), LDL/HDL Ratio (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverage other than water for at least 12 hours before testing.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Chem Panel with Lipids (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $98.99
The Chem Panel with lipids provides testing for Glucose (Diabetes), Kidney function, Fluids and Electrolytes, Minerals and Bone, Liver function and Lipid Profile.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Comprehensive Metabolic Profile ( includes eGFR ): Albumin, Albumin/Globulin Ratio (calculated), Alkaline Phosphatase, ALT, AST, BUN/Creatinine Ratio (calculated), Calcium, Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Creatinine with GFR Estimated, Globulin (calculated), Glucose, Potassium, Sodium, Total Bilirubin, Total Protein, Urea Nitrogen
Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT)
Iron, Serum
Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LD) (LDH)
Lipid Panel with Ratios: Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol (calculated), Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated), LDL/HDL Ratio (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
Phosphate (as Phosphorus)
Uric Acid, Serum (Gout Test)
Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT)
Iron, Serum
Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LD) (LDH)
Lipid Panel with Ratios: Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol (calculated), Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated), LDL/HDL Ratio (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
Phosphate (as Phosphorus)
Uric Acid, Serum (Gout Test)
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen. Specimens should be collected in the morning since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia. Fasting is defined as no consumption of food or beverage other than water for at least 12 hours before testing. Discuss discontinuing drugs causing increased uric acid concentration include diurectics, pyrazinamide, ethambutol, and nicotinic acid with your primary care physician before testing.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $192.99
The advanced lipid profile provides a more comprehensive assessment of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk than standard lipid panel measurements.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Cardio IQ Cholesterol, Total;
Cardio IQ HDL Cholesterol;
Cardio IQ Triglycerides;
Cardio IQ Non-HDL and Calculated Components;
Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility;
Cardio IQ Apolipoprotein B;
Cardio IQ Lipoprotein (a)
If Triglyceride is >400 mg/dL, Cardio IQ Direct LDL will be performed.
Cardio IQ HDL Cholesterol;
Cardio IQ Triglycerides;
Cardio IQ Non-HDL and Calculated Components;
Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility;
Cardio IQ Apolipoprotein B;
Cardio IQ Lipoprotein (a)
If Triglyceride is >400 mg/dL, Cardio IQ Direct LDL will be performed.
Fasting is not required prior to collection of a lipid panel. The assay manufacturer Beckman Coulter advises: "N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), when administered in therapeutic concentrations (for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose), has been determined to interfere with assays for cholesterol, uric acid" where "NAC interference may lead to falsely low results." According to Beckman Coulter, the NAC interference should be insignificant by 12 hours after completion of the initial loading dose of an IV infusion treatment regimen consisting of an initial loading dose of 150 mg/kg administered over 1 hour, a second dose of 50 mg/kg administered over 4 hrs and a third dose of 100 mg/kg administered over 16 hrs.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Ultimate Cardiac IQ Healthy Heart Cholesterol Profile (Quest Diagnostics) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $225.99
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment)
Lipid Panel, Advanced, Cardio IQ: Cardio IQ Cholesterol, Total; Cardio IQ HDL Cholesterol; Cardio IQ Triglycerides; Cardio IQ Non-HDL and Calculated Components; Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility Cardio IQ Apolipoprotein B; ;Cardio IQ Lipoprotein (a); If Triglyceride is >400 mg/dL, then Cardio IQ Direct LDL will be performed.
Lipid Panel, Advanced, Cardio IQ: Cardio IQ Cholesterol, Total; Cardio IQ HDL Cholesterol; Cardio IQ Triglycerides; Cardio IQ Non-HDL and Calculated Components; Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility Cardio IQ Apolipoprotein B; ;Cardio IQ Lipoprotein (a); If Triglyceride is >400 mg/dL, then Cardio IQ Direct LDL will be performed.
Fasting is not required prior to collection of a lipid panel. The assay manufacturer Beckman Coulter advises: "N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), when administered in therapeutic concentrations (for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose), has been determined to interfere with assays for cholesterol, uric acid" where "NAC interference may lead to falsely low results." According to Beckman Coulter, the NAC interference should be insignificant by 12 hours after completion of the initial loading dose of an IV infusion treatment regimen consisting of an initial loading dose of 150 mg/kg administered over 1 hour, a second dose of 50 mg/kg administered over 4 hrs and a third dose of 100 mg/kg administered over 16 hrs.
Estimated turnaround for results is 5 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Lipoprotein (a) (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $66.99
Measurement of lipoprotein (a) is now recommended in several patient subgroups for whom excess lipoprotein (a) may have important clinical consequences: (1) patients with premature atherosclerosis, (2) patients with a strong family history of premature coronary heart disease (CHD), (3) patients with elevated LDLC and greater than or equal to two risk factors, (4) patients who have had coronary angioplasty in whom lipoprotein (a) excess may increase the risk of restenosis, and (5) patients who have undergone coronary bypass graft surgery in whom Lp(a) excess may be associated with graft stenosis.
Lipoprotein (a) is also known by the following:
Lipoprotein Little a
Lp Little a
Lp(a)
Lipoprotein Little a
Lp Little a
Lp(a)
Intake of alcohol, aspirin, niacin, and estrogen supplements have the potential of causing a misrepresentation of true Lp(a) concentrations.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Lipid Panel With LDL:HDL Ratio (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $73.99
Evaluation of hyperlipidemia as an index to coronary artery disease.
The Lipid Panel With LDL:HDL Ratio is the same test as the Lipid Panel, with the addition of the LDL:HDL ratio, and will provide you with detailed information about your cholesterol and related chemistries that affect heart health.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (calculation); triglycerides; very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (calculation) and LDL/HDL Ratio
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Lipid Panel (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $73.99
The Lipid Panel will provide you with detailed information about your cholesterol and related chemistries that affect heart health. Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (calculation); triglycerides; very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (calculation).
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Chem Panel (Basic) with Lipids (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $119.99
The Chem Panel (Basic) with lipids provides testing for Glucose (Diabetes), Kidney function, Fluids and Electrolytes, Minerals and Bone, Liver function, Lipid Profile and an Estimated Coronary Heart Disease Risk calculation.
Glucose, Serum
Uric Acid, Serum
BUN (Urea Nitrogen)
Creatinine, Serum
eGFR
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
Sodium, Serum
Potassium, Serum
Chloride, Serum
Calcium, Serum
Phosphorus, Serum
Protein, Total, Serum
Albumin, Serum
Globulin, Total
A/G Ratio
Bilirubin, Total
Alkaline Phosphatase, Serum
LDH (Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase)
AST (SGOT)(Aspartate Aminotransferase)
ALT (SGPT) (Alanine Aminotransferase)
GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase)
Iron, Serum
Cholesterol, Total
Triglycerides
HDL Cholesterol
VLDL Cholesterol Cal
LDL Cholesterol Calc
T. Chol/HDL Ratio
Estimated CHD Risk
Uric Acid, Serum
BUN (Urea Nitrogen)
Creatinine, Serum
eGFR
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
Sodium, Serum
Potassium, Serum
Chloride, Serum
Calcium, Serum
Phosphorus, Serum
Protein, Total, Serum
Albumin, Serum
Globulin, Total
A/G Ratio
Bilirubin, Total
Alkaline Phosphatase, Serum
LDH (Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase)
AST (SGOT)(Aspartate Aminotransferase)
ALT (SGPT) (Alanine Aminotransferase)
GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase)
Iron, Serum
Cholesterol, Total
Triglycerides
HDL Cholesterol
VLDL Cholesterol Cal
LDL Cholesterol Calc
T. Chol/HDL Ratio
Estimated CHD Risk
Patient should fast 12 hours prior to specimen collection.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Ultimate Healthy Heart Cholesterol Profile (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $129.99
The Lipid Panel will provide you with detailed information about your cholesterol and related chemistries that affect heart health. The Ultimate Healthy Heart Cholesterol Profile is our regular Lipid Panel with the addition of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment).
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Lipid Profile: Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (calculation); triglycerides; very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (calculation).
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment).
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment).
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Lipid Panel with LDL:HDL Ratio, HgbA1c, Glucose (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $134.99
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Lipid Panel With LDL:HDL Ratio: Cholesterol, Total; Triglycerides; HDL Cholesterol; VLDL Cholesterol Cal; LDL Cholesterol Calc; LDL/HDL Ratio
Hemoglobin (Hgb) A1c
Glucose Serum
Hemoglobin (Hgb) A1c
Glucose Serum
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen.
Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
NMR LipoProfile® with Insulin Resistance Markers (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $149.99
The NMR LipoProfile® test is a blood test which has been shown in numerous clinical studies to be superior to LDL-cholesterol in predicting coronary heart disease (CHD) events.
The NMR LipoProfile® test uses NMR spectroscopy to measure the actual number of atherogenic LDL particles that build up in the arteries causing heart disease. By knowing how many of these particles are circulating in the blood, a physician can get a more accurate picture of a patient's heart health and, therefore make better patient care decisions.
Without the technology available through the NMR LipoProfile® test, Physicians merely estimate the number of particles by measuring the cholesterol they contain - known as LDL cholesterol (or LDL-C). Patients with a high number of LDL particles (LDL-P) are at increased risk for heart disease, even if they have "normal" LDL cholesterol levels.
The NMR LipoProfile® test uses NMR spectroscopy to measure the actual number of atherogenic LDL particles that build up in the arteries causing heart disease. By knowing how many of these particles are circulating in the blood, a physician can get a more accurate picture of a patient's heart health and, therefore make better patient care decisions.
Without the technology available through the NMR LipoProfile® test, Physicians merely estimate the number of particles by measuring the cholesterol they contain - known as LDL cholesterol (or LDL-C). Patients with a high number of LDL particles (LDL-P) are at increased risk for heart disease, even if they have "normal" LDL cholesterol levels.
Insulin resistance markers; lipoprotein particle number (LDL and HDL); lipoprotein subfractions; standard lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides).
Graph is not provided.
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen.
Estimated turnaround for results is 5 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
Ultimate NMR® Healthy Heart Cholesterol Profile (LabCorp) Same day lab order delivery
Price: $274.99
The Ultimate NMR® Healthy Heart Cholesterol Profile provides a more comprehensive coronary heart disease (CHD) risk assessment than the Lipid Profile. The Ultimate NMR® Healthy Heart Cholesterol Profile is our regular NMR LipoProfile® with Insulin Resistance Markers with the addition of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment) test and a Lipoprotein (a).
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment)
NMR LipoProfile® with Insulin Resistance Markers: Insulin resistance markers; lipoprotein particle number (LDL and HDL); lipoprotein subfractions; standard lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides). Graph is not provided.
Lipoprotein (a) Lp(a)
*Please note, the NMR LipoProfile® is processed through LipoScience, the C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment) and Lp(a) is processed through Labcorp, results are provided on a Labcorp Report. Graph is not provided.
NMR LipoProfile® with Insulin Resistance Markers: Insulin resistance markers; lipoprotein particle number (LDL and HDL); lipoprotein subfractions; standard lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides). Graph is not provided.
Lipoprotein (a) Lp(a)
*Please note, the NMR LipoProfile® is processed through LipoScience, the C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment) and Lp(a) is processed through Labcorp, results are provided on a Labcorp Report. Graph is not provided.
Patient should fast for 12-14 hours before collection of the specimen.
Intake of alcohol, aspirin, niacin, and estrogen supplements have the potential of causing a misrepresentation of true Lp(a) concentrations.
Estimated turnaround for results is 5 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.
What is a Cholesterol Test?
A Cholesterol test checks a patient's blood to determine if their cholesterol and triglycerides are at an acceptable level for proper health, which gives physicians an indication on whether or not a patient is at risk for a heart attack or stroke. There are a variety of cholesterol tests available, offering a wide range of results for both doctors and patients. The most common is a lipid profile, which is often given to patients during their yearly checkup, or in some cases, every five years.