Lipid Panel Tests for Cholesterol

A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and a cholesterol/HDL ratio. These values describe different fats and cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins in blood. Looking at the pattern, rather than one number alone, helps frame a discussion of cardiovascular risk factors with a qualified professional.

Both tests measure total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and the cholesterol/HDL ratio. The Lipid Panel with Ratios also measures the LDL/HDL ratio. That added ratio expresses the relationship between LDL and HDL, but it does not independently diagnose a health condition.

The Lipid Panel with Ratios, HgbA1c and Glucose measures glucose and hemoglobin A1c alongside total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and ratios. Glucose captures a single blood-sugar measurement, while A1c reflects a longer-term average. Those results help place cholesterol findings alongside commonly reviewed metabolic information.

The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel adds LDL particle number, LDL small, LDL medium, LDL peak size, LDL pattern, HDL large, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) to standard cholesterol values. Apolipoprotein B reflects the number of certain cholesterol-containing particles, while lipoprotein(a) is a distinct lipoprotein often considered in inherited-risk discussions.

Triglycerides, glucose, and hemoglobin A1c provide different pieces of metabolic information. Triglycerides are a blood fat, glucose reflects blood sugar at collection, and A1c estimates recent average blood sugar. A high or low result has more than one possible explanation, so the combined pattern and personal history matter more than a single value.

Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol. It represents cholesterol carried in particles other than HDL, including LDL-containing particles. It is included in the Lipid Panel and Lipid Panel with Ratios, offering another way to consider the cholesterol pattern alongside LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.

No, cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios do not diagnose a condition by themselves. Ratios summarize the relationship between values, while the underlying total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol remain important. A clinician can interpret them with blood pressure, family history, symptoms, and other relevant findings.

Lipid values can vary with recent food intake, alcohol use, illness, exercise, and individual metabolic factors. Triglycerides in particular can shift substantially under different circumstances. A single result is a snapshot, so comparisons over time and consistent collection conditions are often useful when a professional is evaluating a cholesterol pattern.

A standard lipid panel answers the direct question of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol. The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel is suited to shoppers seeking particle-related measures such as LDL particle number, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a). The appropriate choice depends on the specific discussion you want to have with a healthcare professional.

You'll receive it via email within 60 seconds of your order unless it requires additional processing (only very complex orders do).

Many general wellness test results are typically available online within 2-3 business days. However, some tests will require additional processing time. You will immediately receive an email & SMS notification when your results are available.

We do not share your results with your physician, insurance company, or any other third party.