Blood tests that measure the levels of cholesterol in your blood. The following cholesterol tests measure the three main components of cholesterol:
Total cholesterol test - Measures the total level of cholesterol in your blood
Total and HDL-cholesterol test - Measures the levels of total cholesterol and HDL ("good") cholesterol in your blood
Lipoprotein profile -Measures the levels of total cholesterol, HDL- cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood
Parts of the Body Involved
Arm
Reasons for Procedure
The levels of cholesterol in your blood play an important role in determining your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly coronary heart disease (CHD). High LDL-cholesterol levels increase the risk of CHD, while high HDL-cholesterol levels decrease the risk. Which test your doctor recommends will depend on your risk factors for CHD.
Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure
Collecting blood from a vein carries minimal risk. Some people may develop a bruise or a small collection of blood under the skin at the site of the needle stick, this is called a hematoma. The chance of a hematoma developing is greater for people taking aspirin or other blood-thinning medications (i.e., Coumadin).
What to Expect
Prior to the Procedure -Your preparation varies depending on which test you are having
- For a total cholesterol test and total cholesterol test with HDL measurement, you do not have to fast.
- For a lipoprotein profile, you will have to fast (have nothing to eat or drink but water, coffee, or tea, with no cream or sugar, for 9 to 12 hours before the test).
- For either test, your doctor may instruct you not to take certain medications that may affect cholesterol levels.
During the Procedure - A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm
Anesthesia - None
After the Procedure:- Resume your normal diet.
- Resume taking medications, as instructed by your doctor.
- If a hematoma develops, apply firm pressure to the area using a piece of cotton under a well-secured, large band-aid.
Description of the Procedure - You roll up your sleeve and the nurse or lab technician who is drawing your blood ties a tourniquet around your upper arm. Then he or she inserts a needle into a vein in your arm near the inside of your elbow and draws a small amount of blood into a vial. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
How Long Will It Take? Drawing the blood sample takes approximately three minutes. Laboratory testing time varies depending on the laboratory. Results are generally available within in a few days or a week.
Will It Hurt? It may hurt slightly as the needle is inserted into your arm.
Possible Complications:- A small bruise or hematoma at the site where the needle was inserted into your arm
- Feeling lightheaded (this is easily treated by eating some food or drinking juice)
- Rarely, lightheaded patients may faint
Average Hospital Stay - None. This test is performed in your doctors office or in a clinic or hospital laboratory.
Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs
- You have a hematoma at that site of the needle stick that appears to be growing larger
- You do not hear from your doctors office regarding your test results within a few weeks