If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

Overview

A lipid panel is a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a soft, sticky substance found inside your body. Total cholesterol is made up of three parts: good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol as well as triglycerides (a certain type of fat). A lipid panel test is important because cholesterol can clog your arteries. This can lead to heart disease and stroke.

A nurse or lab technician inserts a needle into a vein in your arm to collect a small sample of blood. Your blood will be collected into a tube and sent to a lab for testing. The results will be sent to your healthcare provider.   Follow up with your healthcare provider to obtain the results.  The test can be done at any time of the day.

Patient fasting is at the discretion of the ordering healthcare provider.  Follow instructions as given by your healthcare provider. 

Path to improved health

Your lipid panel test will provide individual results for your good and bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

• Good (HDL) cholesterol: Your body needs good cholesterol to lower your risk of heart disease. This is one test where you want high numbers. You can increase your good cholesterol through a healthy diet and exercise.
• Bad (LDL) cholesterol: Your goal is to lower your number for your bad cholesterol. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a cholesterol medicine based on your results and health history.
• Triglycerides: Things that affect your triglycerides include liver damage, a high carbohydrate/low protein diet, an underactive thyroid, a kidney disorder called Nephrotic syndrome, some medicines (hormone replacement medicines), uncontrolled diabetes, and genetics. Treatment for high triglycerides includes a combination of prescription medicine, a healthy diet and exercise.

Things to consider

You may have brief pain during the blood test as the needle is inserted. You may have a bruise at the site a day or two after the test.

If you are dehydrated (your body doesn’t’ have enough fluids), it may be difficult to find a good vein for the test. Drink plenty of water one to two days before the test.