Cholesterol, Total

Test Code

CHOL

Alias/See Also

Chol, TC, Total Cholesterol

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL plasma (0.5 mL minimum)

Transport Container

PST (light green top). Red top and SST also acceptable

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 8 hours, Refrigerated: 5-7 days, Frozen: 3 months

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

Grossly hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.

Reference Range

Age	Female	Male
Adult (>18 years):	< 200 mg/dL	< 200 mg/dL
Pediatric:
0 – 1 month	56-195	37-174
2 – 6 months	59-200	53-194
7 – 11 months	68-200	83-200
1 – 3 years	37-178	37-178
4 – 6 years	103-184	103-184
7 – 9 years	107-200	107-200
10 – 11 years	122-200	120-200
12 – 13 years	120-200	122-200
14 – 15 years	125-200	101-200
16 – 18 years	101-200	105-200

Clinical Significance

Total serum cholesterol analysis has proven useful in the diagnosis of hyperliproteinemia, atherosclerosis, hepatic and thyroid diseases. A diet, which is high in saturated fat, elevates the level of cholesterol whereas a diet low in saturated fat lowers the blood cholesterol level.

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.