What Is a Lipid Panel?

A lipid panel measures the fats in your blood that affect cardiovascular risk.

Components

  • Total cholesterol: below 200 mg/dL
  • LDL (bad): below 100 mg/dL
  • HDL (good): above 40 (men) / 50 (women)
  • Triglycerides: below 150 mg/dL

Fasting

  • 9–12 hours preferred for accurate triglycerides
  • Non-fasting increasingly accepted for screening

Non-HDL Cholesterol

  • Total minus HDL = non-HDL
  • Goal: below 130 mg/dL (or below 100 for high-risk)
Source: NLM MedlinePlus, American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

Ratings summarize government-reported measures — they don't capture your personal needs. Visit the facility, ask about staffing and services, and use CMS checklists. This profile is informational only and is not a recommendation.

Compare lab testing options near you ↗ (affiliate link)