
Lipid Panel, Standard
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: Yes
Phlebotomy required
Details
Lipid Panel, Standard - 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.
- Triglycerides
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- Non-HDL Cholesterol
- Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
- LDL Cholesterol (by calculation)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
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.
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
2–4 business days
Total Cholesterol
<20 Years <170 <170
≥20 Years <200 <200
HDL Cholesterol
<20 Years >45 >45
≥20 Years ≥40 ≥50
Triglycerides
≤9 Years <75 <75
10–19 Years <90 <90
≥20 Years <150 <150
LDL-Cholesterol (calc)
<20 Years <110 <110
≥20 Years <100 <100
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calc)
<5.0 <5.0
Non-HDL Cholesterol (calc)
<20 Years <120 <120
≥20 Years <130 <130
- Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
- Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 28 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis • Moderate to gross icterus • Anticoagulants other than heparin
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island




