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Cholesterol
Test CodeCHOL
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
<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