What is this test?
This is a panel of blood tests used to measure the level of specific lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Results can show the approximate risk of heart disease.
 
Sample required
Blood.
 
Patient preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing this test. For this test, fasting for at least 8 to 12 hours is recommended.
 
Turn-around time (How long does it take?)
2 Hours.
 
Basis of the Test
Lipids are a group of fats and fat-like substances that are important constituents of cells and sources of energy. Cholesterol and triglycerides are the two important lipids. Cholesterol and triglycerides are transported are circulated into the blood through lipoprotein particles. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are considered good cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are considered as bad cholesterol. High-density cholesterol carries cholesterol to the liver from various parts of your body. LDL gets attached to the walls of arteries and clogs them. This leads to a condition called atherosclerosis.