Lipid Panel
CPT Code(s):
80061
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:
3 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Lipid Panel holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing various lipid parameters in a patient's blood. Lipids are essential molecules involved in various physiological processes and play a significant role in cardiovascular health. Lipid Panel provides valuable information about a patient's lipid profile, aiding in the diagnosis, assessment, and management of lipid disorders and cardiovascular risk.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Lipid Panel include:
1. Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk: Lipid Panel is used to assess an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It measures several lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Abnormal levels of these lipids can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Diagnosis and Management of Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal lipid levels in the blood and is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lipid Panel aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of dyslipidemia, providing information about specific lipid abnormalities that require intervention and treatment.
3. Guidance for Treatment Decisions: Lipid Panel results help healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding lipid-lowering therapy. Elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels may warrant lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and exercise, and may also require medication management, such as statins or fibrates, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
4. Monitoring Treatment Response: Lipid Panel is used to monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapies. Regular monitoring helps evaluate the response to treatment and guides healthcare providers in adjusting medication dosages or implementing additional interventions to achieve target lipid levels.
5. Identification of Lipid Disorders: Lipid Panel results can identify specific lipid disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, or low HDL cholesterol levels. These findings assist in diagnosing underlying conditions, determining appropriate treatment strategies, and implementing lifestyle modifications to improve lipid profiles.
Interpretation of Lipid Panel results involves evaluating the lipid parameters in the context of the patient's overall cardiovascular risk profile, medical history, and other risk factors such as age, gender, and smoking status. Additionally, other laboratory findings and clinical information are considered to establish an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
In summary, Lipid Panel is specifically used for evaluating cardiovascular risk, diagnosing and managing dyslipidemia, guiding treatment decisions, monitoring treatment response, and identifying specific lipid disorders. It provides valuable information about lipid profiles, aiding healthcare providers in assessing cardiovascular risk, implementing appropriate interventions, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is crucial to interpret the test results accurately and implement personalized treatment plans.