A total cholesterol test measures all the cholesterol in your blood.
Cholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in all parts of the body. Your body needs a little bit of cholesterol to work properly. But too much cholesterol can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease.
Some cholesterol is considered "good" and some is considered "bad." Different blood tests are needed to individually measure each type of cholesterol.
See also:
Ever since coming to New Zealand on vacation for five weeks on February 23, I have been eating a lot of the country's wonderful fish and... Read more »
“My doctor said my cholesterol was fine . . . So why did I have a heart attack?!” Let’s face it: Using cholesterol values alone to... Read more »
It's very possible your MD orders lab work and you have no idea what or why you're having blood drawn. Well, let's clear up the confusion... Read more »
Last Wednesday, the FDA listened experts outline possible next step for the development of the Artificial Pancreas. So far the Artificial... Read more »
[Humor] We're all familiar with -- or should be familiar with -- the standard lab tests to assess our diabetes control. You know, the... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Total cholesterol testReferencesExpert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Executive summary of the... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
The hepatitis virus panel is a series of blood tests used to detect current or past infection by hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. It can... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Healthy adults age 45 and older should get tested for diabetes every 3 years. Patients who have certain risk factors should ask their doctors about... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Lipids are the building blocks of the fats and fatty substances found in animals and plants. They are microscopic layered spheres of oil, which, in... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
ReferencesAbourbih S, Filion KB, Joseph L, Schiffrin EL, Rinfret S, Poirier P, et al. Effect of fibrates on lipid profiles and cardiovascular... Read more »