Cholesterol

Label Mnemonic:	CHOL
Epic code:	LAB60
Order form:	Laboratory Requisition
Supply order:	Supply Order Form
Billing:	Billing Policies
CPT code:	82465

Specimen(s):

Plasma

Collection Medium:

Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL

Alternate Collection Media:

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

Minimum:

3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or 1 Microtainer^Â® for pediatric patients

Testing Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Turn Around Time:

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

The National Lipid Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program have set the following guidelines for lipids in a context of cardiovascular disease for adults 18 years old and older:

< 200 mg/dL - desirable

200-239 mg/dL - increase risk

≥ 240 mg/dL - significant increased risk

The Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents has set the following guidelines for lipids in a context of cardiovascular disease for children 2 to 17 years of age:

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL

Acceptable: <170 mg/dL

Borderline High: 170-199 mg/dL

High: > or =200 mg/dL

Reference values have not been established for patients who younger than 24 months of age.

Comments:

Fasting for at least 8 hours prior to collection is recommended.

Please print, complete and submit the Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) along with the Laboratory Requisition before shipping the specimen.

References

Jacobson TA, Ito MK, Maki KC, et al: National Lipid Association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: Part 1-executive summary. J Clin Lipidol. 2014;8(5):473-488. doi: 10.1016/j.jacl.2014.07.007
Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Expert panel on integrated guidelines for cardiovascular health and risk reduction in children and adolescents: Summary report. Pediatrics. 2011 Dec;128 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):S213-S256. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-2107C

Test Limitations:

The assay is unaffected by indexes of hemolysis <700 mg/dL, lipemia <2000 mg/dL and icterus <30 mg/dL.

Methodology:

Enzymatic, Colorimetric method

Instructions:

Fasting for at least 8 hours prior to collection is recommended.

Sample Processing:

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.

Sample Storage:

Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).

Transport Instructions:

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.