cholestrol total Test

Cholesterol is a natural waxy, fatlike matter which exists in the cell membranes of the human body and is mainly in the liver (about 70%). Small quantities of cholesterol are required for normal body functioning, like manufacture of important components like bile acids, steroid hormones, and fat-soluble vitamins including Vitamin A, D, E, and K.

Excess quantities could be stored in the artery walls throughout the body. Such storages could cause narrowing of the arteries in the heart, causing angina and heart attack; narrowing in the carotid arteries that transport blood to the brain, causing stroke; and narrowing of the femoral arteries supplying the legs, causing peripheral artery disease.

Cholesterol does not dissolve in blood. It has to be carried to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Total blood cholesterol is an analysis of the cholesterol components LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein, which is the triglyceride-carrying component of lipids).

24 to 36 Hours

Cholesterol is an essential molecule for humans. However, it is essential to asses these blood fats to determine the risk of a cardiovascular disease, since a high level of serum cholesterol is an indicator for such diseases.

A series of tests i.e. a lipid profile is ordered to the amount of fat in the blood. Each of these components is important in determining your risk for heart disease.

There are five major fat components that would be tested in the lipid profile:

• Total cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- "bad" cholesterol
• high density lipoprotein (HDL)- "good cholesterol"
• Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)- often calculated from the triglyceride levelTriglycerides.
• LDL/HDL Ratio (calculated values)
• Total cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated values)

The common signs/symptoms are:

• Hypertension
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Pain, fullness, and/or squeezing sensation of the chest
• Jaw pain, toothache, headacheNausea, vomiting, and/or general epigastric (upper middle abdomen) discomfort
• Sweating
• Heartburn and/or indigestion
• Arm pain (more commonly the left arm, but may be either arm)
• Upper back pain
• General malaise (vague feeling of illness)
  
  

Preparatory instructions during specimen collection*:

• Fasting Required.
• Fasting samples have to be collected after a minimum 12-14 hour overnight fasting status.
• Clear fluids like water is allowed during this period. Refrain from consumption of early morning beverages like tea, coffee and milk until specimen collection is completed.
• In case of diabetics on oral or injectable hypoglycemic agents, consult your physician about continuing with these medications prior to specimen collection.
  
  

Specimen type:Serum(Blood Sample)

Specimen collection procedure:Venipuncture (Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)