High cholesterol usually causes no obvious symptoms. You may feel healthy while elevated LDL cholesterol gradually contributes to plaque buildup inside your arteries. A blood test is therefore the only dependable way to determine your cholesterol levels.

Testing is generally quick and widely available through primary-care practices, health clinics, hospitals and laboratories. In some countries, pharmacies and community screening programs also provide cholesterol checks.

What Is a Lipid Panel?

A lipid panel, sometimes called a lipid profile, measures fats and cholesterol-carrying particles in your blood. A standard test normally reports:

• LDL cholesterol: Frequently called “bad” cholesterol because elevated levels can contribute to arterial plaque.
• HDL cholesterol: Often called “good” cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol toward the liver.
• Triglycerides: A form of fat used to store energy.
• Total cholesterol: An overall measurement incorporating cholesterol carried by different lipoproteins.
• Non-HDL cholesterol: Total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol.

Some patients may also be offered tests for lipoprotein(a) or apolipoprotein B. These are not replacements for a standard lipid panel, but they can provide additional information in selected situations.

The 2026 U.S. dyslipidemia guideline recommends measuring lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), at least once during adulthood and selectively using ApoB to refine risk assessment. Whether you need these tests depends on your personal and family history. Review the 2026 AHA/ACC dyslipidemia guideline.

What Happens During the Test?

For a laboratory lipid panel, a healthcare professional usually draws a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The procedure generally takes only a few minutes.

Some pharmacies, clinics and health fairs use a finger-prick test that can provide rapid results. While convenient, abnormal or unexpected point-of-care results may need confirmation with a laboratory test.

Tell the clinician about your current medicines, supplements, recent illness, pregnancy and any instructions you received about eating or drinking before the test.

Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Cholesterol Tests

Many people can have a cholesterol test without fasting. A non-fasting sample can still provide useful measurements of total cholesterol, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol.

However, you may be instructed to avoid food and caloric drinks for approximately 8–12 hours if:

• Your triglycerides were previously elevated.
• A previous result was difficult to interpret.
• Your clinician requires a fasting baseline.
• The laboratory is conducting additional fasting tests.
• Your medical history makes fasting results particularly useful.

Water is generally permitted, but follow the instructions from your healthcare provider or laboratory. Do not assume that every cholesterol test requires fasting. The CDC recommends asking the clinician how to prepare because fasting may be required in some circumstances. Read the CDC cholesterol-testing guide.

How Often Should Cholesterol Be Checked?

Testing frequency depends on age, previous results, family history and cardiovascular risk.

Current American Heart Association patient guidance says cholesterol screening every five years beginning at age 19 works well for most adults, while the CDC describes a general interval of four to six years for healthy adults. More frequent testing may be appropriate for people with:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Familial hypercholesterolemia
• Obesity
• Tobacco exposure
• Previous abnormal lipid results
• A family history of premature heart disease

Testing may also be scheduled more frequently after lifestyle changes or the start or adjustment of cholesterol-lowering medication.

Cholesterol problems can begin during childhood. U.S. guidance recommends screening children who have not previously been tested at approximately ages 9–11, with earlier or additional testing for certain risk factors. See current AHA cholesterol guidance.

Cholesterol Screening in the United States

In the United States, cholesterol testing may be available through:

• A primary-care clinician
• A preventive health examination
• A local laboratory
• A pharmacy or retail clinic
• A community health center
• A workplace wellness program

Health-insurance coverage varies by plan, network and medical indication. Ask whether the consultation, laboratory analysis and any advanced lipid tests are covered separately.

People without insurance can ask community health centers about reduced-cost preventive testing. The federal Find a Health Center service can help locate participating U.S. clinics.

Cholesterol Testing Outside the United States

The process is broadly similar internationally, but screening schedules, laboratory units and access routes differ. Patients may receive testing through a general practitioner, national health service, private clinic, pharmacy or community program.

U.S. laboratories usually report cholesterol in mg/dL, while many other countries use mmol/L. Avoid comparing numbers without checking the unit. As an approximate conversion:

• Cholesterol: mg/dL ÷ 38.67 = mmol/L
• Triglycerides: mg/dL ÷ 88.57 = mmol/L

The NHS notes that most people do not need to fast before a routine cholesterol test, although individual instructions may differ. See the NHS cholesterol-testing process.

FAQs

Can I check my cholesterol at home?

At-home kits exist, but their scope and reliability vary. Discuss unexpected or abnormal results with a healthcare professional and obtain confirmatory laboratory testing when advised.

Can I drink coffee before a fasting lipid panel?

Coffee may affect fasting status, particularly if it contains milk, cream or sugar. Follow the laboratory’s instructions; water is normally the safest option.

Can illness affect a cholesterol test?

Yes. Acute illness and other temporary circumstances can influence lipid measurements. Tell your healthcare provider about recent health changes.