Lipid Panel, Standard (7600X)

Test Code

7600N

CPT Codes
80061

Includes

Cholesterol, Total
Triglycerides
HDL Cholesterol
LDL-Cholesterol (calculated)
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated)
Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Patient Preparation
Fasting is not required prior to collection of a lipid panel. The assay manufacturer Beckman Coulter advises: "N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), when administered in therapeutic concentrations (for the treatment of acetaminophen overdose), has been. . . determined to interfere with assays for. . . cholesterol, uric acid" where "NAC interference may lead to falsely low results." According to Beckman Coulter, the NAC interference should be insignificant by 12 hours after completion of the initial loading dose of an IV infusion treatment regimen consisting of an initial loading dose of 150 mg/kg administered over 1 hour, a second dose of 50 mg/kg administered over 4 hours and a third dose of 100 mg/kg administered over 16 hours.

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: Sodium heparin (green-top) tube or lithium heparin (green-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Serum
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

Plasma
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 28 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis • Moderate to gross icterus • Anticoagulants other than heparin

Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)

Setup Schedule

A.M. Sets up 5 days a week.

Clinical Significance

The Lipid Panel, Standard measures serum cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels; it includes evaluation of the cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (calculated), HDL-C, LDL-C (calculated), non-HDL-C (calculated), total cholesterol, and TG. Comprehensive lipid assessment aids in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk and the likelihood of suffering an ischemic event. It is also useful for the prevention and management of atherosclerotic disease, as well as the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome [1].

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. The risk of developing CVD and having an ischemic event is significantly increased in individuals with high LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and TG levels [2,3]. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that Americans aged 20 and above have their lipid levels tested every 4 to 6 years. Children should have their cholesterol tested for the first time between ages 9 and 11, and again between ages 17 and 21. Testing should start earlier if there is family history of high cholesterol [4].

The AHA recommends repeat measurement of LDL-C within 4 to 12 weeks of starting or changing lipid-lowering therapy, to assess response and adherence, and then every 3 to 12 months as appropriate [4].

Treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) for acetaminophen overdose may generate a falsely low result for cholesterol. Venipuncture immediately after or during administration of the painkiller metamizole (dipyrone) may also lead to falsely low results for cholesterol.

Note: Any or all individual tests from a panel can be ordered separately.

References
1. Stone NJ, et al. Circulation. 2014;129(suppl 2):S1-S45.
2. CDC. Heart disease fact sheet. Reviewed August 23, 2017.
https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_heart_disease.htm
3. Arbel Y, et al. Card Diabetol. 2016;15:11.
4. AHA. Cholesterol management guide for healthcare practitioners. November 10, 2018.
https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/cholesterol/chlstrmngmntgd_181110.pdf

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.