Total Cholesterol
• NOTE:: Please include all relevant clinical history in sample order
Normal Reference range
Normal Reference Range
Total Cholesterol (fasting blood test)
<5 mmol/L, < 4 mmol/L for secondary prevention of CVD
HDL Cholesterol
♂ > 1.2 mmol/L
♀ > 1.0 mmol/L
LDL Cholesterol
< 3.0 mmol/L, <2.0 mmol/L for secondary prevention of CVD
Triglycerides (fasting blood test)
< 1.8 mmol/L
Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio
Refer to Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Charts
Test Information
Total cholesterol, which is made up of triglycerides as well as the high-density (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fractions, is shown in the fasting lipid profile.
Triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol are all tested, and LDL cholesterol is estimated using a formula. Due to the requirement of this computation, LDL-cholesterol values can only be obtained in a fasting sample.
According to recent research, elevated non-fasting triglyceride levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis.
Ratios that indicate the likelihood of getting CVD are generated from these findings. Dietary restrictions or cholesterol-lowering medications may help to lower the risk of CVD.
A specialist lipid clinic should be consulted in cases of complicated lipoprotein abnormalities, such as familial hypocholesterolemia.
Clinical Indications
• F/H of thrombotic events, such as CVD, CVA, or others
• Diagnosis and monitoring of primary or secondary hyperlipidaemia (caused, for example, by hypothyroidism, the nephrotic syndrome, or drug use, such as beta-blockers, anti-retroviral therapy, thiazide diuretics, and certain antipsychotic and antidepressants).
• Monitoring Hypertension, Obesity and Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
Sample Required
5mL serum sample tube is required for the Lipids blood test
Min. sample volume
0.5mL
Special Instructions and Precautions
Not applicable
Time Limits For Retrospective Testing
5 days
Patient Preparation
More than 12 hours of fasting.
Any factors affecting the test
Not applicable
Turnaround Time
4 hrs
Referral centre (if applicable)
Not applicable
Test Code
LIPR (Random) or LIPF (Fasting)