What is a lipid profile test and how it is tested?

A lipid panel, also known as a lipid profile, is used to determine the lipid levels in an individual's blood. Lipids are fats that cannot be dissolved in the bloodstream. A lipid profile blood test measures the total cholesterol levels in an individual’s blood.  

About cholesterol

Cholesterol is a smooth substance that, at normal levels, is essential for biological functions such as the formation of cell walls, helping the body to produce vitamin D, producing digesting bile juice in the small intestine, and helping the body to produce certain hormones.


Cholesterol is carried in the bloodstream via lipoproteins, which are protein molecules. Cholesterol is divided into two types:

· LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, BAD cholesterol

· HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, GOOD cholesterol

What is the purpose of a lipid profile test?

If an individual's blood lipid levels are determined to be high, their chance of heart problems and stroke will almost certainly increase. The total cholesterol level in an individual's blood is also measured by the lipid profile test, which includes both the LDL (Bad) cholesterol and the beneficial HDL (Good) cholesterol. The triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, can also be assessed using this test. 

How is a lipid profile test conducted?

It's a simple blood test that will determine an individual's total cholesterol level. A small amount of an individual's blood will be drawn from any of their arms and tested in a lab. The LDL, HDL, and triglycerides in the blood are calculated from the collected sample.

The sort of food or drinks an individual has recently consumed has the most impact on their triglyceride and LDL levels, thus no food should be consumed for four to six hours before undergoing a lipid profile test. However, if an individual is not fasting, the total cholesterol and HDL values will be acceptable.

Getting the lipid profile test once a year is absolutely essential especially if an individual has a history of high cholesterol or heart disease in their family. Being aware of cholesterol levels will undoubtedly help an individual live a healthier and longer life.

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