What is a lipid panel?
A lipid panel, also called a lipid profile, is a group of blood tests that measures cholesterol and triglycerides. A basic panel usually includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
A lipid panel, also called a lipid profile, is a group of blood tests that measures cholesterol and triglycerides. A basic panel usually includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Some values may be calculated rather than measured directly. Additional tests such as apolipoprotein B or lipoprotein(a) are not automatically part of a standard lipid panel.
What does a lipid panel show?
A lipid panel helps assess the amount and distribution of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. The results are used as part of an overall cardiovascular risk assessment and to monitor lifestyle changes or treatment.
A lipid panel helps assess the amount and distribution of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. The results are used as part of an overall cardiovascular risk assessment and to monitor lifestyle changes or treatment.
A lipid panel does not determine cardiovascular risk by itself. Age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, family history, and known cardiovascular disease are also important.
| Test | What it reflects |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | The total amount of cholesterol carried in the main classes of lipoproteins |
| LDL cholesterol | Cholesterol carried in LDL particles |
| HDL cholesterol | Cholesterol carried in HDL particles |
| Triglycerides | A type of fat circulating in the blood |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Cholesterol carried in all non-HDL, potentially atherogenic particles |
When is a lipid panel ordered?
A lipid panel may be ordered as part of preventive care, when cardiovascular risk factors are present, or to monitor an existing condition or treatment.
A lipid panel may be ordered as part of preventive care, when cardiovascular risk factors are present, or to monitor an existing condition or treatment.
| Situation | Why a lipid panel may be useful |
|---|---|
| Preventive health assessment | To assess cholesterol and triglyceride levels |
| High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or excess body weight | To add laboratory information to cardiovascular risk assessment |
| Family history of early cardiovascular disease or very high cholesterol | To investigate possible inherited risk |
| Known cardiovascular disease | To assess and monitor treatment targets |
| Treatment that affects lipid levels | To monitor response and safety |
| High triglycerides or metabolic risk factors | To assess the lipid pattern together with glucose and other values |
How to prepare for a lipid panel
A lipid panel may be performed fasting or nonfasting, depending on the purpose of the test. For a more specific assessment of triglycerides, a clinician or laboratory may request fasting for 9–12 hours.
A lipid panel may be performed fasting or nonfasting, depending on the purpose of the test. For a more specific assessment of triglycerides, a clinician or laboratory may request fasting for 9–12 hours.
| Question | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Do I need to fast? | Follow the laboratory or clinician’s instructions. Fasting may be requested for triglycerides or for tests collected at the same time |
| Can I drink water? | During fasting, plain water is usually allowed |
| Can I drink coffee, tea, or juice? | During fasting, these drinks are generally not allowed |
| What about medicines? | Do not stop medicines on your own. Tell the clinician or laboratory about all medicines and supplements |
| Can I exercise? | Avoid unusual intense exercise before testing if the laboratory or clinician advises it |
| What about alcohol? | Follow the preparation instructions provided for the test, because alcohol may affect triglycerides |
For reliable comparison over time
Whenever possible:
What is included in a lipid panel?
A basic lipid panel usually includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Some additional values may be calculated from these results.
A basic lipid panel usually includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Some additional values may be calculated from these results.
Main tests
| Test | Common abbreviation | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | TC, CHOL | Total cholesterol in the main lipoprotein classes |
| Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol | LDL-C | Cholesterol carried in LDL particles |
| High-density lipoprotein cholesterol | HDL-C | Cholesterol carried in HDL particles |
| Triglycerides | TG, TRIG | Triglyceride concentration in the blood |
Values that may be calculated or added
| Test or value | Note |
|---|---|
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol |
| LDL cholesterol | May be measured directly or calculated |
| VLDL cholesterol | May be estimated and is not included in every report |
| Atherogenic coefficient or cholesterol ratios | Calculated values; formulas and clinical use may differ |
| Apolipoprotein B, ApoB | A separate additional test, not a required component of a standard panel |
| Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a) | A separate additional test, not a required component of a standard panel |
Measured and calculated results should be clearly distinguished.
Lipid levels and cholesterol targets
For a lipid panel, it is more accurate to discuss clinical categories and treatment targets than one universal “normal range.” The desired LDL cholesterol level depends on a person’s overall cardiovascular risk, existing conditions, and treatment.
For a lipid panel, it is more accurate to discuss clinical categories and treatment targets than one universal “normal range.” The desired LDL cholesterol level depends on a person’s overall cardiovascular risk, existing conditions, and treatment.
General NHLBI reference points for adults
| Test | General reference point | Equivalent in mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Non-HDL cholesterol | <130 mg/dL | <3.4 mmol/L |
| HDL cholesterol, men | ≥40 mg/dL | ≥1.0 mmol/L |
| HDL cholesterol, women | ≥50 mg/dL | ≥1.3 mmol/L |
Adult triglyceride categories
| Category | mg/dL | Approximate mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Desirable | <150 | <1.7 |
| Borderline high | 150–199 | 1.7–2.2 |
| High | 200–499 | 2.3–5.6 |
| Very high | ≥500 | ≥5.7 |
What about LDL cholesterol?
There is no single LDL target that applies to everyone. A much lower target may be used for people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or high calculated risk. The laboratory flag should not be treated as a substitute for an individual treatment target.
Important points:
How to interpret a lipid panel
Interpret the panel as a combination of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol. The main question is not only whether a value is outside the laboratory range, but also what the person’s overall cardiovascular risk is and whether an individual treatment target applies.
Interpret the panel as a combination of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol. The main question is not only whether a value is outside the laboratory range, but also what the person’s overall cardiovascular risk is and whether an individual treatment target applies.
Step-by-step approach
- Check whether the units are mmol/L or mg/dL.
- Note whether the sample was collected fasting, especially when interpreting triglycerides.
- Review LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol.
- Review triglycerides.
- Review HDL cholesterol, but do not treat it as a separate guarantee of protection.
- Check which values were measured and which were calculated.
- Consider age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, family history, and known cardiovascular disease.
Common patterns
| Pattern | What it may mean for risk assessment |
|---|---|
| High LDL cholesterol | More cholesterol carried in LDL particles associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation |
| High non-HDL cholesterol | A higher amount of cholesterol in atherogenic lipoproteins |
| High triglycerides | May add to cardiovascular risk; very high levels require separate medical assessment |
| Low HDL cholesterol | One risk factor, but not a diagnosis on its own |
| High triglycerides with low HDL cholesterol | An unfavorable pattern often assessed with glucose, body weight, blood pressure, and other factors |
| Normal total cholesterol with high LDL or non-HDL cholesterol | A reason not to rely on total cholesterol alone |
Important points:
What additional tests may be ordered?
A standard lipid panel does not include every cardiovascular risk factor. Depending on family history, other conditions, and the lipid pattern, additional tests may be considered.
A standard lipid panel does not include every cardiovascular risk factor. Depending on family history, other conditions, and the lipid pattern, additional tests may be considered.
| Test | When it may be used | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Apolipoprotein B, ApoB | When a more direct estimate of atherogenic particle number is useful | Additional information beyond LDL-C and non-HDL-C |
| Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a) | With a family history or increased cardiovascular risk | A largely genetically determined risk factor not included in a standard panel |
| Glucose and HbA1c | With high triglycerides or metabolic risk factors | Information about glucose metabolism |
| TSH and free T4 | When thyroid dysfunction may contribute to lipid changes | Thyroid function context |
| Liver-related tests | Before or during some treatments and when other abnormalities are present | Information about liver-related values |
| Creatinine, eGFR, and UACR | With diabetes, hypertension, or kidney risk | Kidney filtration and kidney damage markers |
| High-sensitivity CRP | In selected situations to refine overall risk assessment | An additional inflammatory marker, not part of a standard lipid panel |
How much does a lipid panel cost?
The price depends on the panel composition and the blood collection fee. For a basic comparison, check that the offer includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
The price depends on the panel composition and the blood collection fee. For a basic comparison, check that the offer includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Non-HDL cholesterol and ratios may be calculated. ApoB and Lp(a) are separate additional tests.
| Component | Comparison rule |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Required for a basic panel |
| LDL cholesterol | Required; check whether it is direct or calculated |
| HDL cholesterol | Required |
| Triglycerides | Required |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | May be calculated and should not be priced as a separate laboratory measurement |
| Cholesterol ratios | Optional calculated values |
| ApoB and Lp(a) | Separate tests or part of an expanded panel |
| Blood collection fee | Add it to the total price |
Select your city to compare current prices for panels with equivalent composition.
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Frequently asked questions
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Authorship, sources, and limitations
This material explains the laboratory test, preparation, and result interpretation principles. For your own report, prioritize the exact test name, units, and reference ranges printed by your laboratory.
- NHLBI — Blood Cholesterol: Diagnosis
- NHLBI — What Is Blood Cholesterol?
- NHLBI — High Blood Triglycerides
- NHLBI — Blood Tests
- MedlinePlus — Cholesterol Levels
This material and Vitametria automated explanation are informational only and are not a diagnosis, medical opinion, or treatment recommendation.
Prices, panel composition, turnaround times, and promotional terms may change. Verify current details before payment.