Total Cholesterol Test
675 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
Lipid panel, total cholesterol: HDL
Purpose
The Total Cholesterol Test is a blood test that measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and a portion of triglycerides.
This test is important because cholesterol plays a key role in building healthy cells, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Measuring total cholesterol helps evaluate your cardiovascular health and determine whether there need for lifestyle changes or treatment.
The test can be done alongside LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Triglycerides, Lipid panel, Blood pressure, and glucose tests. Routine cholesterol testing is a vital step in detecting problems early and managing long-term heart health.
Patient Preparation
The patient is required to be on a stable diet for at least two weeks before blood collection.
Samples
1ml with a minimum volume of 0.7ml of Serum or plasma collected in a Gel-barrier, red-top, or green-top tube (lithium heparin). Separate the plasma or serum within 45 minutes of sample collection. Maintain sample at room temperature, refrigerate if sample arrival delays to 3 days.
Reference Range
<200mg/dL
Results Turnaround
Within 24 hours of receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
A Total Cholesterol Test helps assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases by evaluating the amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.
High Total Cholesterol:
- May indicate an increased risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. It is commonly associated with poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, genetic disorders (like familial hypercholesterolemia), or metabolic conditions like diabetes.
Borderline-High Cholesterol:
- Suggests a moderate risk and may require lifestyle changes such as improved diet, physical activity, and weight management. Healthcare providers may recommend further testing to assess LDL and HDL levels.
Desirable (Normal) Cholesterol Level:
- Indicates a lower risk of cardiovascular problems. However, it is still important to consider other factors such as HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and family history for a complete assessment.
Low Cholesterol (Rare):
- Clinicians may link abnormally low cholesterol levels, though uncommon, to malnutrition, liver disease, hyperthyroidism, or certain cancers, and should evaluate them in the clinical context.
These results guide healthcare providers in developing personalized treatment or prevention plans for heart and metabolic health. For more on Total Cholesterol Testing, read this study.