Total Cholesterol
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- mg/dL
Total Cholesterol is a measurement of all the cholesterol components in the blood, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein). It is a primary screening tool for hyperlipidemia and an essential component in calculating the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Check Your Result
Check Your Result
Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
Cholesterol levels can fluctuate based on recent dietary intake (if not fasting), acute illness, or pregnancy. Furthermore, Total Cholesterol alone can be misleading; a high total value may be driven by 'good' HDL cholesterol, making the 'Total' figure less useful without a full lipid breakdown.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Total Cholesterol:
Official Sources
- Cholesterol test - Mayo ClinicMayo Clinic
- Cholesterol Levels: MedlinePlus Medical TestMedlinePlus
Research & Guidelines
- PubMed: Total Cholesterol Clinical GuidelinesNCBI / PubMed
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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