Cholesterol

Cholesterol

Alternate Test Name

Cholesterol, total

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB60
CHOL

Category

Chemistry

Methodology

Enzymatic colorimetric

Test Performance Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Result Availability

Within 24 hours

Container

Gold top (SST), Red top (serum), or Green top (lithium heparin) tube
Alt: EDTA - GREEN / RED

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 1.0 mL serum
Min. Vol.:0.5 mL serum

Collection Instructions

• Routine venipuncture

• Immediately after collection, gently invert tube 5-10 times

• Clot 30 minutes

• Promptly centrifuge

• If no gel barrier is present immediately transfer serum or plasma to a plastic tube and refrigerate

• Properly centrifuged gel barrier tube does not require transfer of serum or plasma to separate tube

Transportation Instructions

Refrigerated

Stability

• Room Temperature: 5 days
• Refrigerated: 5 days

Causes for Rejection

Remarks

Medicare Medical Necessity Policy

CPT Codes

82465

Effective/Revised

03/22/2017

High levels of cholesterol may be caused by an inherited defect in lipoprotein metabolism, by disease of the endocrine system, by liver disease, or by renal disease. Low levels of cholesterol in the serum may reflect an inherited deficiency of either LDL or HDL, or they may reflect impairment of liver function.

Various hormone conditions are also related to cholesterol levels. Increased serum cholesterols are found in cases of myeloma, macroglobulinemia of Waldenstrom, polycythemia anemia, and with increased estrogens. Pregnancy is accompanied by a moderate increase.

Cholesterol is increased in early hepatitis, obstructed bile ducts, primary biliary cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, and diabetic meningitis.

Finally, through much controversy, it appears that cholesterol is implicated in atherosclerotic heart disease (ASHD).