Lipid Panel, Standard

Catalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.

What this laboratory test evaluates

DetailsLipid 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 [1].

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. The risk of developing CVD and having an ischemic event is significantly increased in individuals with high LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and TG levels [2,3].

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.

References
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

What type of sample is required for this test?1 mL serum

Test ResourcesFor more information, please consult your healthcare provider.

Additional test information

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.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Serum
• Fasting: Yes
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.