Cholesterol
The Test Sample
What is being tested?
Your body produces the cholesterol needed to work properly, but the source for some cholesterol is your diet. If you have an inherited predisposition for high cholesterol levels or if you eat too much of the foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans unsaturated fats (trans fats), then levels of cholesterol in your blood may increase and have a negative impact on your health. The extra cholesterol in your blood may be deposited in plaques on the walls of blood vessels. Plaques can narrow or eventually block the opening of blood vessels, leading to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and increasing your risk of numerous health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
Monitoring and maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol is important in staying healthy.
How is the sample collected for testing?
NOTE: If undergoing medical tests makes you or someone you care for anxious, embarrassed, or even difficult to manage, you might consider reading one or more of the following articles: Coping with Test Pain, Discomfort, and Anxiety, Tips on Blood Testing, Tips to Help Children through Their Medical Tests, and Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests.
Another article, Follow That Sample, provides a glimpse at the collection and processing of a blood sample and throat culture.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?






