Sample Requirements:
Fasting for 9–12 hours, SST tube
Purpose:
Assesses lipid metabolism and risk of cardiovascular disease. Measures total cholesterol, HDL ('good' cholesterol), LDL ('bad' cholesterol), and triglycerides. Helps identify patients at risk for heart attack, stroke, and guides lipid-lowering therapy.
Reference Range:
Total Cholesterol: <200 mg/dL desirable; HDL: >40 mg/dL (M), >50 mg/dL (F); LDL: <100 mg/dL optimal; Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL. Ratios and patterns provide risk stratification for atherosclerosis.