Description
The Lipid Panel includes: Cholesterol Total, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides and VLDL Cholesterol. This test is used to monitor hyperlipidemia as an indicator to coronary artery disease. This test can be used to guide practitioners regarding what treatment is best for patients who have borderline or high risk of heart disease. HDL particles are involved in the process of removing excess cholesterol and transporting it to the liver for removal. LDL particles deposit extra cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels. Because of this, HDL particles are known as “good cholesterol” and LDL particles are known as “bad cholesterol”.
Patient Preparation: Patients should be on a stable diet for 2-3 weeks prior to collection of blood. A fasting specimen is preferred, but not required. Patients can fast for 12 hours prior to specimen collection.
