What is a cholesterol and lipid blood test?

Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your body. They are found in your blood and play important roles in your body's daily function.

A cholesterol (or lipid profile) test measures the levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.

A lipid profile blood test measures:

• the total amount of cholesterol in your blood (total cholesterol)
• the level of HDL-cholesterol (high-density cholesterol, often called 'good cholesterol')
• the level of LDL-cholesterol (low-density cholesterol, often called 'bad cholesterol')
• triglycerides (TG, another type of fat in the body)

LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels. This increases your risk of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.

HDL cholesterol is good cholesterol because it removes excess cholesterol from your body.

High triglyceride levels can also increase your risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.

When is a cholesterol and lipid blood test used?

A cholesterol and lipid blood test can help your doctor to measure your risk of heart disease.

This test may be done for healthy individuals or those at risk of cardiovascular disease. Your doctor may assess your risk using the AusCVDRisk online calculator.

Testing your cholesterol and lipid levels can help your doctor develop a plan to lower your cardiovascular risk. It can also let them see if current treatments are working well.

This blood test is usually recommended for healthy people every 5 years, starting from 45 years. Testing should start at 35 years for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Testing every 12 months is recommended for people with:

• high blood pressure
• diabetes
• heart disease
• stroke
• kidney disease
• familial hypercholesterolaemia (genetic disorder with high cholesterol levels)

Your doctor may also suggest more regular testing if you are being treated for high cholesterol.

Where can I get a cholesterol and lipid blood test?

You usually need to go to a pathology collection centre. Your doctor will recommend one near you.

Sometimes, your doctor will collect blood for testing in their clinic. Blood tests are also routinely done in hospitals.

How do I prepare for a cholesterol and lipid blood test?

Your doctor will let you know if you need to fast before your blood test. Both fasting and non-fasting blood tests are suitable for cholesterol and lipid blood tests. It is important that you let your doctor know if you fasted or not because this can affect your test results.

If you need a fasting blood test, you will usually need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before. This means not eating any food and drinking only water. Most people have the test in the morning, so it doesn't interfere with their meals. Follow your doctor's instructions with regard to fasting before this test.

If you are having other blood tests done at the same time, there may be extra instructions you need to follow. Check with your doctor or the pathology collection centre. Ask them if there is anything you need to do before your blood test.

What happens during a cholesterol and lipid blood test?

A cholesterol and lipid blood test is usually done at a pathology collection centre following a referral from your doctor. A health professional will take a sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. The blood will then be sent to a laboratory for testing.

What do my cholesterol and lipid blood test results mean?

You should discuss the results of your lipid profile test with your doctor. There are specific target levels for cholesterol in different people — talk to your doctor about this.

Your doctor may use your test results as part of a risk assessment for cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol and lipid levels are just one factor in your risk of cardiovascular disease. Your doctor will also look at other things, such as your age and blood pressure, to calculate your risk.

Your doctor will likely talk with you about how to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. If necessary, they will talk to you about how to lower your cholesterol levels.

Resources and support

Visit Pathology Tests Explained for more information about testing cholesterol and lipids.

You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak to, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

See our 'Guide to blood testing' to learn more about blood tests in general, with information on:

• what happens during a blood test
• the accuracy of your results
• the cost of your blood test