What is a lipid profile test?

A lipid panel is a blood test that analyses the amount of certain fat molecules called lipids in your blood. In some cases, the lipid profile test includes four different cholesterol measurements and triglycerides too. Having too many lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood can lead to buildup in your blood vessels and arteries, which can cause damage and increase your risk of cardiovascular problems. Because of this, healthcare providers use the lipid panels for both children and adults to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and stroke.

What are the other names for a lipid profile test?

Other names for a lipid profile test are:

Lipid panel, Lipid test, Cholesterol panel, Coronary risk panel and Fasting lipid panel or non-fasting lipid panel.

What are the lipid profile test parameters?

The lipid profile test details include:

1. Total cholesterol
2. Triglycerides
3. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
4. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
5. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol

Why is the lipid profile test done?

There are many reasons why one might need a lipid profile test. Most doctors and healthcare providers use lipid profile tests for screening and monitoring purposes. In case the person has risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the healthcare provider might suggest frequent screening through the lipid profile test in order to catch elevated levels of cholesterol before any symptoms surface. Some risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are aging, high cholesterol levels on previous tests, obesity, smoking habits, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. Sometimes, children might also be at risk of high cholesterol and hence they require lipid profile testing in order to screen their cholesterol levels.

What does a lipid profile test measure? 

A lipid panel analyses five different types of lipids from a blood sample. A lipid profile test uses:

1. Total cholesterol: This is the overall cholesterol level - the combination of LDL-C, VLDL-C, and HDL-C.
2. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: This is the type of cholesterol that is known as “bad cholesterol.” It can collect in your blood vessels and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
3. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol: This is a type of cholesterol that’s usually present in very low amounts when the blood sample is a fasting sample since it mostly comes from the food you’ve recently eaten. And an increase in this type of cholesterol in a fasting sample may be a sign of abnormal lipid metabolism.
4. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: This is the type of cholesterol that is known as “good cholesterol.” It helps to decrease the buildup of LDL in your blood vessels.
5. Triglycerides: are a type of fat from the food that we eat. Excessive amounts of triglycerides in your blood are associated with cardiovascular disease and pancreatic inflammation.

What condition / disease does this test detect?

While lipid profile testing is mainly used for the monitoring and screening of cholesterol levels, doctors sometimes use them to diagnose certain health conditions in a patient. Some of these diseases that can affect the lipid levels of a person and therefore require lipid profile testing. Those diseases are pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney diseases, etc.

Who should get a lipid profile test?

1. In adults, it is recommended that even people with no risk factors for heart disease get a fasting lipid profile performed every four to six years. If you have any other risk factors present, it is recommended that the test be performed more frequently.
2. Persons with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
3. If you are overweight or obese
4. Drink alcohol frequently.
5. Smoke cigarettes
6. Lead an inactive lifestyle
7. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or an underactive thyroid gland

What is the type of sample required for a lipid profile test?

Lipid profile test requires a blood sample.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

You can perform extended tests like lipoprotein A, apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B).

What should I expect during my lipid profile blood test?

You can experience the following during a blood test or blood draw:

1. It is usually done in the morning after an overnight fast. The blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm.
2. You will sit on a chair, and a healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. This is usually checked in the inner part of your arm, on the other side of your elbow.
3. Once they have identified the vein, they will clean and disinfect the area.
4. They will then insert a small needle into the vein to take a blood sample. You may feel a small pinch.
5. When the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a vial or a syringe. The tourniquet is then removed to restore circulation, and blood continues to flow into the vial. Once enough blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered with a bandage.
6. They will place a spot bandage over the site after the blood is collected.

What should I expect after my lipid profile blood test?

After the healthcare provider has collected your blood sample, they will send it to a laboratory for testing. Once the test results are ready, your healthcare provider will share them with you.

What preparations are needed for the lipid profile test? 

Yes, fasting samples need to be collected after a minimum of 10–12 hours of fasting status. Only water can be consumed during this period. Do not consume any beverages like tea, coffee, or milk in the morning until specimen collection is completed.

What are the risks of a lipid profile blood test?

These blood tests are very common and don’t carry any significant risks. You may have a slight pain like an ant bite when the needle gets inserted, and a small bruise may develop there.

Limitations of lipid profile test

There are certain factors that might ultimately affect the results of a lipid profile test. It is important for physicians and patients to be aware of these factors so that precautionary measures can be taken before the testing. Under normal circumstances, the lifestyle variables of a person such as excess body mass, perceived fitness, lean mass, percent fat, maximum oxygen intake, alcohol consumption, cigarette consumption, use of contraceptive medication, etc. are some of the most common factors that tend to affect the values of a lipid profile test. Apart from that, certain diseases, stress, and other factors also have an impact on the accuracy of the lipid profile test. 

When can I expect my lipid profile results?

These reports are available via email or WhatsApp within 6 hours of the collection of the blood sample.

Normal lipid profile levels for test result 

The normal range for the lipid profile tests for an average adult is mentioned below: 

1. The normal range for cholesterol is up to 200 mg/dL 
2. The normal range for triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL 
3. The normal range for HDL cholesterol is between 40 - 60 mg/dL (the higher the value, the better)
4. The normal range for LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL
5. The normal range for VLDL cholesterol is between 0 - 30 mg/dL

If the results are higher or lower than the target range, they may be classified as borderline-, intermediate-, or high-risk for cardiovascular issues. 

Generally, having higher-than-normal levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and lower-than-normal levels of HDL can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

​It is rare to have abnormally low cholesterol levels. If you do, it is usually due to a health condition that is causing malnutrition.

What does the lipid profile test indicate?

Lipids are simple substances that contain hydrocarbons. They, along with carbohydrates, protein, and nucleic acid, make for the four most biologically essential components required by the body for carrying out its day to day functions. Lipid abnormalities, such as high cholesterol levels, may result in critical disorders such as coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest or stroke etc.

What do the results of a lipid profile mean?

Blood test reports, including lipid panel blood test reports, usually provide the following information:

1. The blood test reports, including lipid panel blood reports, usually provide the following information:
2. The name of the blood test or what has been analysed in your blood.
3. Your blood test result has a number of values.
4. The values are within the measurement range for that test.
5. information that indicates if your result is normal or abnormal, or high or low.

What is the cost of a lipid profile test?

​​Who performs a lipid profile blood test?

The provider then sends the samples to a lab where a medical laboratory scientist prepares the samples and performs the tests on machines known as analysers.

​Why choose Orange Health Labs?

When it comes to getting the right healthcare services, Orange Health Labs is one of the leading providers in the area. You can now book an appointment at Orange Health Labs for random blood testing along with other blood tests from the comfort of your home. We are a trusted company that provides online appointments for at-home blood tests, lipid panels, RT PCR tests and so much more. Visit our official website and get your tests done from your home. 

How to book a lipid profile test at home?

Submit your details and book a lipid profile test with Orange Health Labs. Our highly trained, professional, and vaccinated eMedics will be at your doorstep within 60 minutes or at the time booked by you.

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