A lipid panel, also known as a lipid profile, is a blood test that measures the amount of certain fat molecules called lipids in your blood. The test measures different types of lipids, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (known as "bad cholesterol"), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (known as "good cholesterol"), and triglycerides. The optimal or target level for each part of the standard lipid test is listed below:
- Total cholesterol: Below 200 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol: Below 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol: Above 60 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL
The results of the lipid panel are reported for each type of cholesterol and triglycerides, measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) . If your lipid results reveal that you have high levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and/or triglycerides and/or low levels of HDL, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a medical condition or need treatment. A healthy cholesterol range for you may depend on many factors, and your healthcare provider will take into consideration these factors when interpreting your lipid panel results.
The lipid panel test can be done at a laboratory or at home by taking a small blood sample and sending it to a laboratory for analysis or by pricking your finger and putting a small drop of blood on a piece of paper. The reliability of home cholesterol tests can vary between brands, and the reliability can also be affected by how well you follow the test instructions.
There are no ingredients or materials involved in the lipid panel test, as it is a blood test that measures the amount of lipids in your blood.
