Lipid Panel Tests: Procedure, Costs, & Where to Get
Lipid Panel Tests: Procedure, Costs, & Where to Get
A lipid panel is a type of blood test that measures fats and fatty substances in your body. According to Mira’s research, the out-of-pocket cost of a lipid panel can range from $200 to $843 without insurance and $19 with private insurance or Medicare. Of course, the price you pay out-of-pocket may exceed this cost depending on a number of factors.
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How Does a Lipid Panel Work
Using a sample of your blood, lipid panels determine the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LPL) in your body. It is important to measure the number of lipids since they are an important part of cell function and help keep your body working normally.
When lipid levels are outside of the normal range (e.g. high cholesterol), they may lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, or stroke. Therefore, when your doctor orders a lipid panel, it is not always indicative of an underlying ailment. Most often, lipid panels are used as part of regular health examinations to prevent, check on, or diagnose possible medical conditions.
Certain lipid panels may require specific instructions prior to blood withdrawal. For instance, many lipid panels require you to refrain from eating or drinking anything except water for at least 9 to 12 hours before your test. In addition, some may require you to avoid drinking alcohol or exercising strenuously prior to testing. In these cases, you should follow your doctor’s instructions.
Based on the results of your test, your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment. If indeed your doctor does find a lipid disorder based on the results of your lipid panel, treatment may be started to help manage your blood lipid levels.
Normal Ranges for a Lipid Panel
Tests results will vary according to several factors including age, gender, health history, and testing method. Accordingly, the optimum range for lipid panels will also vary from individual to individual. Results are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Outlined below are the normal ranges for a lipid panel.
Normal Ranges for Lipid Panels
| Category | Acceptable Range for Adults |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Less than 200mg/dL |
| LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol) | Less than 100mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | Less than 150mg/dL |
| HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol) | Above 40mg/dL |
Factors that Can Affect Your Lipid Panel Results
Several factors may influence the results of your lipid panel. These results can be broken down into short-term influences and long-term influences.
Short-Term Influences
There are a number of factors that influence the results of your lipid panel immediately before your test. These factors are highlighted below and broken out to better understand each one individually.
- Fasting: Recommended for 9 to 12 hours prior to testing so that the food you e
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Spencer is a Public Health & Biology undergraduate student at New York University.