The lipid panel test is commonly referred to as a lipid profile test or “cholesterol test”. This test measures the two important lipids range, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 102 million adults in the United States have higher total cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol levels do not show any symptom and can put you at the risk of getting heart disease. So we highly recommend everyone above the age of 20 years to get tested for lipid profile levels at least once every 3 years.
The article below covers all the relevant topics of lipid panel test, like lipid panel test cost, what is a lipid profile test, parameters covered in the lipid panel, the normal range of cholesterol levels, risk factors, and how to get tested for the lipid panel.
- Cost of Lipid profile test.
- What is a lipid panel test/cholesterol test?
- Who is recommended for a lipid profile test?
- What are the tests included in the lipid panel?
- The normal range of lipid panel
- How is the lipid profile or cholesterol test performed?
- Is there any preparation required before the test?
- Are there any risks in the lipid panel test?
- What does the lipid panel test result mean?
- How to maintain cholesterol levels?
- Providers Locations
For our readers, who are more interested in knowing the lipid panel test cost beforehand, we begin with that section.
How much does the lipid panel cost or cholesterol test cost?
Lipid panel test cost ranges between $29 and $39 in different labs and facilities across the U.S. No prior appointment is required. Compare the price, order your test online and visit the nearest lab during lab business hours. Complete the procedure and get the results in your email in 2 to 3 business days. Doctor consultation is also available for further treatment or any kind of medical advice.
The following table shows the Lipid Panel test cost at 2 of our partner laboratories (CLIA – Certified) network located across the U.S.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online |
HealthLabs
| Offer Price$29 |
Personal Testing Lab
| Offer Price$39 |
Lipid profile test cost with insurance
Many health insurance policies in the U.S. cover the lipid profile test cost or cholesterol test cost. Also, the lipid profile test is commonly done as a part of the annual physical health check-up which is covered by all the insurance companies. However, the coverage offered by private health insurance companies and national health insurance programs like Medicare varies widely. So we recommend you to check with your insurance company before getting tested.
Our lipid panel testing providers do not accept any kind of health insurance. But, on request, they can provide you with an itemized receipt containing all the details like the name and code of the test, and the CPT code which is necessary for insurance reimbursement purposes.
What is a lipid panel test?
The lipid panel test or cholesterol test is a simple blood-based medical test done to assess the overall condition of the heart. It measures cholesterol levels and certain fat levels in the body. Your physician can use this test result to gauge the amount of good and bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol is a soft and waxy fat that helps the body to function properly and triglyceride is a type of fat present in the blood.
Lipid panel test is also known as the Lipid profile test or Complete cholesterol test.
Who is recommended for a lipid profile test?
The lipid panel test is used to assess the risk of heart disease as high cholesterol levels can lead to stroke and other heart diseases. People with the following conditions are recommended to get tested for lipid profiles as they are at a higher risk of getting heart diseases.
1. Obesity
People with BMI (Body Mass Index) of above 25 are more likely to get cardiovascular diseases.
2. High blood pressure
High blood pressure leads to the thickening of the heart and lowers the heart function rate over a while.
3. Family history of having heart disease
People with a family history of heart disease are more likely to get cardiovascular disease as medical research has shown that certain genes increase the probability of heart attacks.
4. Smoking
Smoking causes heart diseases, infertility, skin damage, hair loss, and many other serious health problems.
5. Other conditions
People who lead a lifestyle with no physical activity or people who have diabetes, kidney disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), or an underactive thyroid gland are also at a greater risk of getting heart diseases.
So we recommend everyone above the age of 35 for men and 40 for women to get tested for lipid profile/cholesterol test at least once a year. And people with the above-mentioned conditions should take the test after 20 years of age.
What are the tests included in the lipid panel?
The following tests are included in the lipid panel test.
1. Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol measures the amount of cholesterol in the blood. It includes both good and bad cholesterol.
2. HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol)
HDL-C measures the total amount of good cholesterol in the blood. Good cholesterol at normal levels helps in reducing the risk of heart disease because it removes the extra cholesterol and plaque built up in the arteries.
3. LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol)
LDL-C measures the total amount of bad cholesterol in the blood. The level of bad cholesterol should be checked more often as the higher levels of LDL-C builds the extra cholesterol and plaque in the arteries that result in heart disease.
4. Triglycerides
Triglycerides measure the number of triglycerides in the blood. They are the fat-converted calories that the body doesn’t use. So they are generally considered bad. People who are fat, diabetic, or consume more amount of carbohydrates without burning them, have higher amounts of triglycerides in their bodies that might result in heart disease.
The normal range of lipid panel
The normal range of all the tests included in the lipid panel is given below.
How is the lipid profile test performed?
A lipid panel test or cholesterol test is a simple blood test. The phlebotomist or lab technician will wrap a tight elastic band around the upper arm to make the vein visible and swell with blood. The area where the blood sample will be drawn is cleansed with an antiseptic liquid. A needle will be injected into the vein to extract the blood sample. After removing the needle you may be asked to apply pressure on the injected area with a cotton ball to stop bleeding. The blood sample is collected in a test tube and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
It takes less than 10 minutes to do this test.
Cholesterol home test kit
The cholesterol test can also be done at home using the cholesterol home test kit. These kits will be available in the retail pharmacy shop. Read the instructions carefully mentioned in the kit before taking the test. To test the cholesterol levels, prick your finger using the lancet needle and place the blood on the cholesterol test strip. The blood will mix with the chemicals present in the strip and the color will change after a few seconds. Then, you can match the color with the guide that indicates different colors for higher, lower, and normal cholesterol levels.
Some new cholesterol test kits are also available with an electronic meter. After placing the blood on the test strip, the strips are inserted into an electronic device that measures and tells the cholesterol levels in your body immediately.
The cholesterol home test kits are not 100% accurate. So we recommend confirming the results in the lab.
Is there any preparation required before the test?
The lipid profile test/cholesterol test doesn’t require any special preparation other than fasting. You can give the blood sample only after overnight fasting for about 10-12 hours. However, you can continue with the routine of medication and water. You should inform your doctor about the symptoms or health problems you face, family history of heart health, and the supplements you are taking before the test.
Are there any risks in the lipid panel test?
There are no possible risks or complications as the lipid profile test is a simple blood test. Sometimes people might feel dizziness, bruise, or redness at the injected spot. But these symptoms will go away quickly. In the case of abnormal bleeding in the injected area, you should inform your physician immediately.
What does the lipid panel test result mean?
In your lipid panel test results, if the cholesterol levels are higher than the normal, you might be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of arteries due to build-up of cholesterol and other fats in the artery wall). Lower cholesterol levels may be a sign of cancer.
When your test results are abnormal, your physician might also order a Hemoglobin A1c test or blood glucose test to check for diabetes and a thyroid function test to determine if your thyroid is underactive.
How to maintain cholesterol levels?
There are a few ways that you can consider to balance your cholesterol levels. They are
- Quit smoking and control alcohol consumption
- Do some physical exercise to lose extra body fat
- Go for a routine walk
- Fiber-rich diet
- Avoid junk food
Providers Locations
Lipid panel test cost or Cholesterol test can be done in any of the following locations by visiting the nearest lab. To know the lipid profile test cost, refer to the first section of the article.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
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