What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing very high cholesterol that doesn't respond well to diet or medication, or if heart disease runs in your family at an early age. It's also useful if you or a relative have noticed fatty deposits under the skin around the eyes or in tendons, which can be a sign of a genetic cholesterol condition. This panel looks at your genes to see if there's an inherited reason for your high LDL cholesterol.

What's included in this test?

This test analyzes three genes that are known to cause familial hypercholesterolemia when changed or mutated. Looking at multiple genes matters because different gene changes can all lead to the same problem of very high LDL cholesterol, so testing all three gives a more complete picture than checking just one.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal versus abnormal gene finding means. If a gene change linked to familial hypercholesterolemia is found, next steps usually include closer monitoring of your cholesterol, heart-healthy lifestyle changes, and letting close family members know since they may want to get tested too. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and use the trends feature to track your cholesterol numbers over time if you test again later.

How can I naturally support healthy cholesterol levels?

Eating more fiber-rich foods like oats, beans, and vegetables can help lower LDL cholesterol naturally. Cutting back on saturated fats, added sugars, and processed foods while adding more heart-healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish also makes a real difference. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking are additional habits that support healthy cholesterol levels over time.

When will I get my results?

Results from this genetic panel are typically ready within about 7 days after your sample is processed by the lab. Genetic testing takes a bit longer than a standard blood panel because it involves detailed analysis of the LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with very high LDL cholesterol, especially if it started young or hasn't improved much with lifestyle changes or medication. It's also worth considering if you have a parent, sibling, or child who has been diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia or had a heart attack at a young age. Anyone with visible fat deposits around the eyes or in tendons alongside high cholesterol may also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Many people with familial hypercholesterolemia don't have obvious symptoms until cholesterol has caused artery damage, which is what makes it tricky. Signs to watch for include very high LDL cholesterol on a routine blood test, yellowish fat deposits around the eyelids or on tendons like the Achilles, and a family history of early heart attacks or strokes. If any of these apply to you, this genetic test can help explain why.

What is familial hypercholesterolemia and why does it matter?

Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition that causes your body to have trouble clearing LDL cholesterol from your blood, leading to very high levels from a young age. This matters because it significantly raises the risk of heart attacks and coronary artery disease much earlier in life than typical high cholesterol. Knowing you have this condition early allows you to make changes and start treatment sooner to protect your heart.

What causes a positive finding on this genetic test?

A positive result means a change was found in one of the LDLR, APOB, or PCSK9 genes that's known to disrupt how your body processes LDL cholesterol. These gene changes are inherited, meaning they're passed down from a parent, and they don't come from lifestyle or diet. Because it's genetic, other close family members may carry the same gene change even if their cholesterol looks normal right now.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If a gene change is found, focus on heart-healthy habits right away, such as eating less saturated fat, staying active, and avoiding smoking. It's also a good idea to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly to monitor how well these changes are working. Sharing the result with close family members is important too, since they may carry the same gene change and benefit from getting tested themselves.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

FH Genetic Panel - Inherited High Cholesterol Risk

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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