Lipid Panel, Serum
Use
Lipoprotein cholesterol measurements are essential in managing risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Atherosclerosis is defined by a buildup of plaque within arterial walls. ASCVD includes coronary heart disease, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. ASCVD develops over decades and is often asymptomatic until the patient experiences a life-threatening event such as a heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm. 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.
Special Instructions
Consuming alcohol or fatty foods 24 hours prior to specimen collection can increase serum triglycerides. Eating a meal 12 hours prior to specimen collection can increase serum triglycerides. Calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is not applicable when triglyceride levels are greater than 800 mg/dL. Consider repeat measurement of lipids prior to initiating or changing lipid therapy.
Limitations
Triglycerides results of 500 mg/dL or above are severely elevated increasing the risk of pancreatitis. Triglycerides can be lowered by increasing physical activity, low-fat diet, weight loss, and/or triglyceride lowering pharmaceuticals. Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can be increased by the same lifestyle changes that reduce risk for cardiovascular disease; physical activity, smoking cessation, and eating healthier. However, medications that specifically increase HDL levels have failed to reduce cardiovascular disease. Extremely low HDL values ( or =160 mg/dL in children) are severely elevated and may indicate familial hypercholesterolemia. For non-HDL cholesterol results of 220 mg/dL or above, a possible inherited hyperlipidemia diagnosis should be considered.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 24331-1
- 2093-3
- 2085-9
- 43396-1
- 2571-8
- 13457-7
- 87527-8
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
1. Serum gel tube must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. 2. Red-top tube must be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |