cholesterol test

A cholesterol test measures the total amount of cholesterol in the blood. It is generally done along with blood tests that measure a person's triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, that is, "good" or "healthy" cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, that is, "bad" or "lethal" cholesterol. Cholesterol is a form of lipid (fat) in the body that is used for many body processes.

 

A cholesterol test may be ordered to evaluate a person's risk for various conditions.

 

Adults 20 years or over should be tested every five years for cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

 

High cholesterol levels increase a person's risk for the following conditions:

 

A cholesterol test may also be ordered to evaluate disorders of the kidney, liver, or thyroid gland.

 

A blood sample needs to be taken in order to measure the level of blood cholesterol. The blood is usually drawn from a vein in the forearm or the hand. First, the skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a strong rubber tube called a tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting blood flow through them. A very thin needle is gently inserted into a vein and the tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle and is collected in a syringe or vial. The sample is sent to the lab to be analyzed. After the needle is withdrawn, the puncture site is covered for a short time to prevent bleeding.

 

A cholesterol test is generally done after the individual has fasted overnight.

Total cholesterol results are evaluated as follows: desirable range is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL borderline-high is 200 to 239 mg/dL high cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or greater