What does this test include?
This panel contains total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides. It gives a more complete cardiovascular and metabolic picture than total cholesterol alone.
Why might it be ordered?
- To estimate cardiovascular risk and guide prevention.
- To monitor lipid-lowering treatment, diabetes or lifestyle changes.
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?
Confirm whether fasting is required; it may be useful when triglycerides are high. Keep medicines unchanged unless your clinician instructs otherwise.
How are the results reported?
Targets depend on your overall cardiovascular risk and treatment history. Calculated components can be less reliable when triglycerides are very high.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.