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HelpTest ID CHOL Cholesterol, Total, Serum
Reporting Name
Cholesterol, Total, SUseful For
Evaluation of cardiovascular risk
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Reference Values
The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) have set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol) in adults 18 years old and older:
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL
Desirable: <200 mg/dL
Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL
High: ≥240 mg/dL
The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol) in children 2 to 17 years of age:
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL
Acceptable: <170 mg/dL
Borderline high: 170-199 mg/dL
High: ≥200 mg/dL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82465
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CHOL | Cholesterol, Total, S | 2093-3 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CHOL | Cholesterol, Total, S | 2093-3 |
Clinical Information
Cholesterol is a steroid with a secondary hydroxyl group in the C3 position. It is synthesized in many types of tissue but particularly in the liver and intestinal wall. Approximately 75% of cholesterol is newly synthesized and 25% originates from dietary intake. Normally, the cholesterol in the plasma or serum is 60% to 80% esterified. Approximately 50% to 75% of the plasma cholesterol is transported by low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and 15% to 40% by high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
Serum cholesterol is elevated in the hereditary hyperlipoproteinemias and in various other metabolic diseases. Moderate-to-markedly elevated values are also seen in cholestatic liver disease. Hypercholesterolemia reflects an increase of lipoproteins of 1 or more specific classes (eg, beta-LDL, alpha-1 HDL, alpha-2 HDL, or lipoprotein X: LP-X). Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Low levels of cholesterol can be seen in disorders that include hyperthyroidism, malabsorption, and deficiencies of apolipoproteins.
Interpretation
The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) have set the following guidelines for total cholesterol:
Desirable: <200 mg/dL
Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL
High: ≥240 mg/dL
Values above the normal range indicate a need for quantitative analysis of the lipoprotein profile.
Values in hyperthyroidism usually are in the lower normal range; malabsorption values may be below 100 mg/dL, while beta-lipoprotein or apolipoprotein B deficiency values usually are below 80 mg/dL.
Clinical Reference
1. Rifai N, Horwath AR, Wittwer CT, eds: Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018
2. National Institute of Health (NIH) Publication: Second Report of the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. NIH Publication 93-3096. 1993 Sep;93:3096
3. Jacobson TA, Ito MK, Maki KC, et al: National Lipid Association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: Part 1-executive summary. J Clin Lipidol. 2014;8(5):473-488. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2014.07.007
4. Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Expert panel on integrated guidelines for cardiovascular health and risk reduction in children and adolescents: summary report. Pediatrics. 2011;128;S213. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-2107C
Report Available
Same day/1 dayMethod Name
Enzymatic Colorimetric
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request (T724) with the specimen.