Cholesterol Screening

Overview

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. It is found in all of your body's cells. It is also found in some of the foods you eat. Cholesterol screening is a test used to measure the amount and type of cholesterol in your blood.

Types of Cholesterol

Not all cholesterol is the same. If you have a high level of low-density lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol in your bloodstream, you have a higher risk for developing atherosclerosis and heart disease. If you have a high level of another type of cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein (or HDL), you have a lower risk for these conditions.

Preparation

Before your blood is drawn for the test, your doctor will give you instructions for how to prepare. Typically, you are asked to refrain from taking medications, eating, or drinking anything other than water for several hours before the test. All of these things can impact your cholesterol levels and skew the test results.

The Procedure

After your fasting period, the blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. It is collected in a vial for examination. The procedure is not painful, and when it is complete, the puncture site is bandaged.

The Results

Your blood sample will be sent to a lab, and your doctor will have the results in a few days. If your results show that you have a high level of the bad cholesterol, your doctor can create a plan to help lower it to a healthy range.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.