Guide To Common Blood Tests

Lipid Panel

A lipid panel is performed to measure a patient's cholesterol. Specifically, the test measures high-density lipoprotein ('good') and low-density lipoprotein ('bad') cholesterol. This test is ordered as part of annual checkups, and patients who take medication to treat high cholesterol have it performed periodically to monitor the effectiveness of their medication. Individuals having a lipid panel performed will need to fast for at least eight hours before the test. Normal levels of high-density lipoprotein are less than sixty mg/dL, and normal values for low-density lipoprotein are less than 160mg/dL. Doctors use the results from lipid panels to guide their treatment recommendations. For example, patients with mildly elevated lipids might be encouraged to try dietary changes, and they may also be prescribed a statin. Patients with severely elevated levels may need to take multiple medications to keep their cholesterol under control.