Cholesterol

CPT Code(s):
82465

Turnaround Time:
4 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Serum

Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL

Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.

Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
8 hours

Refrigerated:
2 days

Frozen:
30 days

Clinical Significance

Cholesterol holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of cardiovascular health assessment and lipid profile evaluation. This test measures the levels of various types of cholesterol in a patient's blood, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.

The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Cholesterol include:

1. Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk: Cholesterol is a critical tool for assessing an individual's cardiovascular risk. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, are associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular conditions. Conversely, higher levels of HDL cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol, are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Cholesterol provides important information to healthcare providers in evaluating an individual's cardiovascular health and determining the need for lifestyle modifications or medication interventions.

2. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Hyperlipidemia: Cholesterol is essential in diagnosing and monitoring hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by abnormal lipid levels in the blood. Hyperlipidemia, specifically elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Regular cholesterol testing helps healthcare providers monitor lipid levels over time, assess treatment efficacy, and make appropriate adjustments to medication and lifestyle interventions.

3. Evaluation of Treatment Response: Cholesterol is used to monitor the response to cholesterol-lowering therapies, such as lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet and exercise) or medication interventions (e.g., statins). Serial measurements of cholesterol levels help healthcare providers evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Monitoring changes in cholesterol levels over time is crucial for achieving target lipid goals and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

4. Early Detection of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Cholesterol aids in the early detection of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), an inherited condition characterized by very high LDL cholesterol levels. FH increases the risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Identifying FH through cholesterol testing enables early intervention and appropriate management to reduce the risk of complications.

5. Prevention and Health Promotion: Cholesterol plays a vital role in preventive healthcare and health promotion. Regular cholesterol screening helps identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, allowing healthcare providers to initiate appropriate interventions for risk reduction. It also serves as a tool for educating patients about the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and smoking cessation, to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.

In summary, Cholesterol has specific clinical significance in assessing cardiovascular risk, diagnosing and monitoring hyperlipidemia, evaluating treatment response, detecting familial hypercholesterolemia, and promoting preventive healthcare. By measuring various cholesterol components, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, enabling healthcare providers to assess cardiovascular health, guide interventions, and support patients in maintaining optimal lipid profiles and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.