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HelpTest Code CHOL Cholesterol, Total, Serum
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Reference Values
The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program have set the following guidelines for lipids in a context of cardiovascular disease for adults 18 years old and older:
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL
Desirable: <200 mg/dL
Borderline High: 200-239 mg/dL
High: ≥240 mg/dL
The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for lipids in a context of cardiovascular disease for children 2 to 17 years of age:
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL
Acceptable: <170 mg/dL
Borderline High: 170-199 mg/dL
High: ≥200 mg/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients who younger than 24 months of age.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
CPT Code Information
82465
Clinical Information
Cholesterol is a lipid that is synthesized in most tissues and actively absorbed from the diet. There is a strong association between serum cholesterol concentrations and cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol is carried in the blood by lipoproteins. Some lipoproteins carry a stronger risk of cardiovascular disease while others are associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. Total cholesterol concentration includes the sum of all "good" and "bad" cholesterol. Therefore, total cholesterol is recommended to be interpreted in context of a lipid panel that includes high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride measures.
Low levels of cholesterol can be seen in disorders that include hyperthyroidism, malabsorption, and deficiencies of apolipoproteins.
Report Available
Same day/1 dayReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Method Name
Enzymatic Colorimetric
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request (T724) with the specimen.