What is this test?
Total cholesterol is the combined cholesterol carried in several lipoproteins. Cardiovascular risk assessment is more useful when LDL, HDL, triglycerides and personal risk factors are considered too.
Why might it be ordered?
- For cardiovascular risk assessment.
- To monitor lifestyle changes or lipid-lowering treatment.
What sample is needed?
A blood sample is required. The laboratory chooses the correct tube and handles the sample for this test.
How should you prepare?
Ask the laboratory whether you need to fast or attend at a particular time. Do not stop or change medicines or supplements unless your clinician tells you to.
How should you understand the result?
A target is individualized by overall cardiovascular risk, not by total cholesterol alone. LDL is often the main treatment focus.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.