ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Cholesterol, Serum or Plasma : 0020031

Mnemonic: CHOL

Methodology: Quantitative Enzymatic
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Plasma separator tube or serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Allow serum tube to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.2 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Body Fluid (refer to Cholesterol, Fluid, ARUP test code 0020714).

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 1 week; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 3 months

Reference Interval:
By report (reports may vary based on instrumentation)
Interpretive Data: A desirable serum cholesterol concentration in adults is less than 200 mg/dL and less than 170 mg/dL in children. A borderline-high serum cholesterol concentration in adults is 200-239 mg/dL and 170-199 mg/dL in children. A high serum cholesterol concentration in adults is greater than 239 mg/dL and greater than 199 mg/dL in children.
CPT Code(s): 82465