Why get tested? To screen for risk of developing heart disease
When to get tested? Adults should be tested once every five years or more frequently if being treated for high cholesterol or have one or more risk factors for heart disease. Children and adolescents with risk factors should also have their cholesterol level checked.
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm or a fingerstick
Note: If you are having this test performed as part of the Lipid profile, you will need to fast for 9-12 hours before the sample is collected.
This article was last reviewed on September 26, 2008.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
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