Bloody Good

Total Cholesterol Blood Test

Type

Blood Testing

Biomarkers

3

Duration

15 min

Results

24 hours

Assesses heart health markers including cholesterol and cardiac risk factors.

A lipid panel measures the fats and fatty substances in your blood that are key indicators of cardiovascular risk. The standard panel includes total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides. Advanced panels may also measure ApoB, Lp(a), and lipoprotein particle size — markers that more accurately predict heart disease risk than standard cholesterol alone. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and lipid testing is one of the most effective tools for early risk detection. Regular monitoring allows you to track the impact of diet, exercise, and medication on your cardiovascular health.

Key Details

Biomarkers
4–8 lipid markers
Fasting Required
Yes, 10–12 hours for accurate triglycerides
Sample Type
Blood draw
Turnaround
Same day to 24 hours
Common Use
Cardiovascular risk assessment

Who Is This For?

Adults over 20 as part of routine cardiovascular risk screening. Anyone with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or stroke. People monitoring the effectiveness of statins or other lipid-lowering medications. Those with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or obesity who face elevated cardiovascular risk.

What's Included

Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol (direct or calculated)
HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides
Total cholesterol/HDL ratio

Preparation Required

Fasting for 10–12 hours before your appointment is recommended for accurate results (water is fine). Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and intense exercise for 12 hours before the blood draw. Morning appointments are ideal for consistent hormone and glucose readings. The blood draw typically takes 5–10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions