Cholesterol

Test Code

CHOL

CPT Codes
82465

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL plasma collected in a PST (LiHeparin tube)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma - EDTA (Lavender)

Serum - SST

Red-top

or Tiger-top
Sterile container for Body Fluids

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days at 20 - 25°C. Refrigerated: 7 days at 2 - 8°C. Frozen: 3 months at -20 °C. Freeze only once.

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

Samples not labeled with patient's complete first and last name and date of birth.

Methodology
Enzymatic, Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

Reference Ranges
<200 mg/dL

Total cholesterol                     Risk Classification
< 200                                       Desirable
200 – 239                                Borderline High
>240                                        High
Body fluids: No established reference range

Clinical Significance

Cholesterol is a steroid with a secondary hydroxyl group in the C3 position. It is synthesized in many types of tissue, but particularly in the liver and intestinal wall. Approximately three quarters of cholesterol is newly synthesized and a quarter originates from dietary intake. Cholesterol assays are used for screening for atherosclerotic risk and in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders involving elevated cholesterol levels as well as lipid and lipoprotein metabolic disorders.

Performing Laboratory
Frederick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD 21701

Last Updated: November 28, 2023

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.