Cholesterol, serum
Clinical Background:
Cholesterol is the principal sterol synthesised by animals, an essential component of cell membranes, and precursor of steroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. It is also a component of lipoprot...
Cholesterol is the principal sterol synthesised by animals, an essential component of cell membranes, and precursor of steroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. It is also a component of lipoproteins, which are required for transport of triglycerides. Although most cells in humans are able to synthesize cholesterol, the majority is synthesized in the liver; dietary intake contributes less, although diet does influence plasma cholesterol through variation of lipoprotein production in response to the overall energy intake. Cholesterol is transported in plasma primarily
(but not exclusively) in the form of low density lipoproteins (LDL); the principal route for its removal from tissues to the liver is in high density lipoproteins (HDL), followed by excretion in the bile.
Cholesterol measurements are used to diagnose and monitor hypercholesterolaemia (monogenic, polygenic and secondary) and to assess cardiovascular risk.
In risk assessment, cholesterol measurements should be considered in relation to other risk factors (e.g. cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a personal history of cardiovascular disease etc.)
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Serum (SST or plain tube)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Special Requirement:
Unseparated sample: 3 days
Separated sample: 7 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, 3 months at -20°CUnseparated sample: 3 days
Separated sample: 7 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-8°C, 3 months at -20°C -
Sample Stability:
Unseparated: 3 days
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Separated: at +15°C to +25°C - 7 Days
at +2°C to +8°C - 7 DaysRead MoreUnseparated: 3 days
Separated: at +15°C to +25°C - 7 Days
at +2°C to +8°C - 7 Days -
Add On Test:
24/7, analysed at RVI and Freeman
24/7, analysed at RVI and Freeman
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Reference Ranges:
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Other Info:
L Cholesterol:-
Derived using the Friedewald formula (Not valid if triglyceride is greater than 4.5mmol/l)
LDL Cholesterol =Total Cholesterol-HDL Cholesterol-(Triglyceride/2.2)Non HDL Cholesterol:-
N...Read MoreL Cholesterol:-
Derived using the Friedewald formula (Not valid if triglyceride is greater than 4.5mmol/l)
LDL Cholesterol =Total Cholesterol-HDL Cholesterol-(Triglyceride/2.2)Non HDL Cholesterol:-
NHDL = Total Cholesterol – HDL Cholesterol -
Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email: