Quest Diagnostics Cholesterol (Lipid) Test Panel
Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
3
Duration
30 min
Results
24 hours
Comprehensive blood test to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
This lipid panel (or lipid profile) blood test measures your cholesterol and triglycerides levels to assess your risk for cardiovascular diseases. The lipid profile test works by measuring total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, cholesterol/HDL ratio, and non-HDL. Regular lipid panel testing plays a key role in maintaining both general and cardiovascular health. If the results show you have higher than normal levels of cholesterol, you and your healthcare provider can work together to determine next steps.
Key Details
- Biomarkers
- 4–8 lipid markers
- Fasting Required
- Yes, 10–12 hours for accurate triglycerides
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Turnaround
- Same day to 24 hours
- Common Use
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
Who Is This For?
Adults over 20 as part of routine cardiovascular risk screening. Anyone with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or stroke. People monitoring the effectiveness of statins or other lipid-lowering medications. Those with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or obesity who face elevated cardiovascular risk.
What's Included
Preparation Required
Fasting for 10–12 hours before your appointment is recommended for accurate results (water is fine). Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and intense exercise for 12 hours before the blood draw. Morning appointments are ideal for consistent hormone and glucose readings. The blood draw typically takes 5–10 minutes.
Biomarkers Tested
3The most common type of fat in the body, stored for energy. Elevated triglycerides — often from excess sugar, alcohol, or calories — increase cardiovascular risk and can cause pancreatitis at very high levels.
The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood, including HDL, LDL, and VLDL. While useful as an overview, the breakdown between HDL and LDL is more clinically meaningful for assessing cardiovascular risk.
Often called 'good' cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. Exercise, healthy fats, and moderate alcohol intake can raise HDL.
20% off during 12 Days of Questmas; physician service fee of $6.00 added
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Duration
- 30 min
- Results
- 24 hours