Lab test · Cardiovascular
Lipid panel (cholesterol test)
A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Learn what the test includes, how to prepare and which extra markers to discuss.
Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated
What the test includes
A standard lipid panel reports total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Many labs also report non-HDL cholesterol (total minus HDL).
Why it's used
Lipid results are a core input to cardiovascular risk estimation. ESC/EAS guidelines additionally suggest measuring Lp(a) once in adulthood and considering ApoB in some people.
How to prepare
Some labs require a 9–12 hour fast, mainly because triglycerides rise after meals; many now accept non-fasting samples. Follow your lab's instructions.
Related markers to discuss
ApoB, Lp(a) and hs-CRP are sometimes added to give more context. Whether they're useful for you depends on your personal and family history.
Questions people commonly ask
- How often should a lipid panel be done?
- Intervals vary by country and risk. Adults are commonly checked every few years, more often if results are abnormal or you have risk factors.
Related biomarkers
Related tests
Related topics
Keep your health results in one place
What does this mean for your own health data? Log your results, follow trends over time and bring an organised summary to your next doctor's appointment.
Sources
- Cholesterol Levels. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Cholesterol levels. NHS.
- 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk. European Society of Cardiology / European Atherosclerosis Society (Mach F et al.), Eur Heart J, 2020.