Cholesterol - Total (Serum)
How to prepare
Do not eat for 10-12 hrs before the test. Plain water is fine.
Fast for 10–12 hours before the test (only water allowed). Take your usual medicines unless your doctor says otherwise.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
Total cholesterol is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including "good" HDL and "bad" LDL. It is the first number doctors look at to judge heart risk.
Why is this test done?
- Screen for high cholesterol
- Heart risk check-up
- Monitor diet and medicines
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Usually no symptoms
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes, high BP or obesity
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
High cholesterol increases the risk of blocked arteries, heart attack and stroke.
Common reasons- Unhealthy diet
- Lack of exercise
- Hypothyroidism
- Genetics
If your result is low
Very low cholesterol is uncommon and may be linked to poor nutrition, liver disease or an overactive thyroid.
Common reasons- Malnutrition
- Hyperthyroidism
- Liver disease
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Please fast for 10-12 hrs before your sample is collected. You can drink plain water.
Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. Fast for 10–12 hours before the test (only water allowed). Take your usual medicines unless your doctor says otherwise.