Definition of Cholesterol test:

A total cholesterol test measures all the cholesterol in your blood.

Cholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in all parts of the body. Your body needs a little bit of cholesterol to work properly. But too much cholesterol can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease.

Some cholesterol is considered "good" and some is considered "bad." Different blood tests are needed to individually measure each type of cholesterol.

See also:

• HDL test (high density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol)
• High blood cholesterol and triglycerides
• LDL test (low density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol)
• Lipid profile

How the test is performed:

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

How to prepare for the test:

To get the most accurate results, you should not eat or drink anything for 9 - 12 hours before the test. You may drink water, but avoid other beverages, such as coffee, tea, or soda. For the purpose of screening, the total cholesterol is often done without fasting overnight.

Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking drugs that can affect the test. Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

How the test will feel:

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed:

A coronary risk profile may be done:

• To screen adults and children for high blood cholesterol
• To follow people who have had high cholesterol levels and are being treated

Screening for adults:

• The first screening test is performed between ages 20 - 35 in men, and ages 20 - 45 in women (Note: Different national medical organizations recommend different starting ages.)
• Follow-up screening should be done every 5 years.
• Screening is done for anyone who develops diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or another illness caused by atherosclerosis.
• Follow-up testing is done to determine how well diet and medications are controlling high cholesterol.

This test is often done to determine your risk for coronary artery disease. High blood cholesterol and triglycerides have been linked to heart attack and stroke.

The total cholesterol test may be done as part of a lipid profile, which also checks for LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

The test may also be done for:

• Arteriosclerosis of the extremities
• Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia
• Familial hypercholesterolemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Primary biliary cirrhosis