Total Cholesterol Test

This cholesterol test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, which can help identify your risk for developing cardiovascular health issues like heart disease and stroke. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is strongly recommended before your appointment but not required for this test. Results may be elevated if you do not fast prior to this test.

Test type: In Person

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$39.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

Measures total cholesterol, which is the sum of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

Total cholesterol testing can help assess your risk for cardiovascular diseases, monitor existing conditions, or evaluate the effects of medications. This cholesterol test measures the total amount of cholesterol content in your blood based on your LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) levels. High levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood may cause a buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries, which reduces blood flow. HDL cholesterol helps carry away LDL cholesterol while keeping your arteries open and allowing for blood to flow more freely. Too much cholesterol in your blood may damage arteries and blood vessels, which may increase the risk for stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

This test will only provide a value for total cholesterol and not individual values for LDL or HDL.

Buy your own total cholesterol test online with Quest. No doctor’s visit is required – simply purchase cholesterol testing, visit a nearby Quest® location for sample collection, and get fast results.

This test may be helpful for those who:

Have never checked total cholesterol levels or haven't checked them in several years
Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
Have high blood pressure
Have diabetes
Are overweight or obese
Eat a diet high in fat, processed foods, or sugar
Don't get enough physical activity
Smoke or use tobacco

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in the blood and is needed to make cell walls, tissues, hormones, vitamin D, and bile acid. Cholesterol comes from internal and external sources. The liver is responsible for creating cholesterol within the body and it provides all that you need. The remainder of the cholesterol in your body comes from animal-based foods like meat, poultry, and dairy products. Too much cholesterol in the blood may clog blood vessels, which reduces the flow of blood to the heart, brain, and other organs. This may increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream on particles made of protein and fat (lipoproteins). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are 2 types of lipoproteins. HDL is known as “good cholesterol” because it transports cholesterol away from cells and tissues to the liver, where it is eventually removed from the body. This helps lower blood cholesterol levels. LDL is known as “bad cholesterol” because it carries fatty deposits (plaques) toward the arteries. A high amount of LDL in the blood may cause cholesterol to accumulate in the vessel walls, resulting in plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Our Total Cholesterol Test combines your HDL and LDL levels, representing your total cholesterol number. This helps determine whether your cholesterol is elevated.

This test will only provide a value for Total Cholesterol and not individual values for LDL or HDL.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

Compare Tests

And find the right tests for you.

Test For	Total Cholesterol Test	Cholesterol (Lipid) Test Panel	High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Test Panel
Total cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (calculated)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Triglycerides
Cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated)
Non-HDL cholesterol (calculated)
Lipoprotein(a)
	$39.00	$59.00 Learn More	$85.00 Learn More

Total Cholesterol Test	Cholesterol (Lipid) Test Panel	High-Risk Heart Health Lipid and Lp(a) Test Panel
Total cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (calculated)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Triglycerides
Cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated)
Non-HDL cholesterol (calculated)
Lipoprotein(a)
$39.00	$59.00 Learn More	$85.00 Learn More

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

In-person
In-home sample collection

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No doctor visit is required for purchase.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

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+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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Register your test
& schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Now pair your Quest lab work with Health Coaching to put your diagnostic insights into action.

Learn more >

Understanding the balance between cholesterol's helpful and harmful effects is vital to staying healthy.

FAQs

How does liver disease affect cholesterol levels?

An important function of the liver is the production and elimination of cholesterol. If your liver is damaged or not functioning properly, cholesterol can build up, causing fatty liver disease, which can increase your risk of diabetes or stroke.

Is there a connection between thyroid and cholesterol levels?

The thyroid gland has a direct impact on cholesterol levels. Individuals living with low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) may have higher cholesterol levels than those with normal thyroid function. This is because thyroid hormones help the liver break down and eliminate cholesterol. If the thyroid isn’t functioning properly, it may cause a buildup of LDL in your blood. Thyroid hormone treatment may result in a reduction of total cholesterol levels.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.