Lipid Panel CPT: 80061
Test Includes
Expected Turnaround Time
Within 1 day
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum (preferred) or plasma.
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Gel-barrier transport, green-top (heparin) tube, or lavender-top (EDTA) tube.
Collection
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection. Lipid panels are best avoided for three months following acute myocardial infarction, although cholesterol can be measured in the first 24 hours.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
Patient Information
To assess your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD); to monitor treatment of unhealthy lipid levels.
Screening when no risk factors present: for adults, every four to six years; for children, teens and young adults, once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21
Monitoring: at regular intervals when you have risk factors, when prior results showed high risk levels, and/or to monitor effectiveness of treatment.
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein. Sometimes a drop of blood is collected by puncturing the skin on a fingertip. This fingerstick sample is typically used when a lipid panel is being measured on a portable testing device, for example, at a health fair.
Typically, fasting for 9-12 hours (drinking water only) before having your blood drawn is required, but some healthcare practitioners allow non-fasting lipid testing. In particular, children, teens and young adults (ages 2 to 24) may have testing done without fasting. Follow any instructions you are given and tell the person drawing your blood whether or not you have fasted.