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Epic Test Code LAB60 Cholesterol, Total

Performing Location(s)

BMC

Specimen Type

Serum or Plasma

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top tube

Alternate Container

Green top tube

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

 

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

0.5 mL Serum or Plasma

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection followed by transfer of the serum (red) or plasma (green top) to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube

Gold tops do not need to be aliquoted

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
> 7 days refrigerated
> 24 hours Room Temperature
>3 months Frozen
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 1000 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 8 mg/dL Bili

 

 

Reference Values

Risk Classification (NCEP III Guidelines)

>18 Adults
Parameter Units Range Desirable Borderline High Risk
Total Cholesterol mg/dL <200 < 200 200 - 239 > 239

 

Risk Classification (NCEP III Guidelines)

</=18 years of age
Parameter Units Range Desirable Borderline High Risk
Total Cholesterol mg/dL 120 - 170 < 170 170 - 199 >/= 200

 

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

No

Additional Information

Patient Instructions for Fasting Laboratory Testing
Contraindications:

Interpretation of cholesterol levels drawn after or during unusual events in the patients life are limited. (ie. Inpatient stay, surgery, myocardial infarct, etc.)

 

Additional Information:

For optimal prediction of coronary atherosclerosis, some do not regard cholesterol alone as an adequate evaluation of all adults’ blood lipids . However, relationships have been shown between diet, serum cholesterol and long term risk of death from coronary artery disease in middle-aged American men. This test is not available on a STAT basis. If an emergency request is necessary, call 3731 for availability. Pathologist approval may be required. See also entries for “Lipid Panel”

It is preferred but not required that the patient be fasting for 12-14 hours prior to specimen collection

 

LINKS: Reference Range

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

82465

Last Updated

27-NOV-24 MS