Quick Facts
- Sample: Venous blood (fasting or non-fasting)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turnaround: 1–2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive cardiovascular snapshot — Measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL in one test.
- Non-HDL shows true heart risk — Captures all atherogenic particles, predicting cardiovascular events better than LDL alone (PoLA 2024).
- No doctor visit needed — Order online, test at your convenience with confidential results.
- Flexible timing — Non-fasting acceptable; recent guidelines confirm minimal variation (CDC 2024).
- Track therapy progress — Monitor how well lipid-lowering medications or lifestyle changes are working.
- Actionable insights — Early detection enables preventive intervention before heart disease develops.
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with family history of heart disease or early cardiovascular events
- Those with diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome
- Anyone with elevated triglycerides or dyslipidemia symptoms
- People on cholesterol-lowering medications (to monitor effectiveness)
- Health-conscious adults seeking annual cardiovascular risk screening
- Those concerned about cholesterol levels or lifestyle-related risk factors
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Select your test, choose a convenient lab location, and schedule your appointment instantly.
- Quick blood draw — Visit the lab for a simple venous blood sample; fasting is optional.
- Get results — Receive results in 1–2 days to help guide next steps.
FAQ
What does non-HDL cholesterol measure? Non-HDL cholesterol includes all atherogenic lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL, IDL, and lipoprotein(a)) and is calculated by subtracting your HDL from total cholesterol. It's a better predictor of cardiovascular risk, especially when triglycerides are high (PoLA 2024).
Is fasting required? No. Modern guidelines accept non-fasting samples for lipid evaluation since variations are minimal (CDC 2024). You can eat or drink before your test.
What do the results mean? Non-HDL below 130 mg/dL is desirable. Higher levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk and may warrant lifestyle changes or medication. Your healthcare provider can review results in clinical context.
How often should I get tested? Most adults benefit from testing every 1–2 years for screening. Those on lipid-lowering therapy may need more frequent monitoring to ensure medication effectiveness.
What if my results are abnormal? Discuss abnormal results with your healthcare provider. Elevated cholesterol can often be managed through diet, exercise, stress reduction, and medication if needed.
Can I order this test without a doctor? Yes. Walk-in labs offer direct-to-consumer testing without requiring a physician order, though you can share results with your doctor for clinical guidance.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Lipid Panel with Non-HDL measures cholesterol-related components to assess your cardiovascular risk. Non-HDL cholesterol is particularly important because it quantifies all atherogenic particles involved in plaque buildup—providing a more complete picture than LDL cholesterol alone (PoLA 2024). Approximately 49% of U.S. adults have cholesterol levels requiring intervention, making this test vital for early prevention (CDC 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for anyone concerned about heart health—especially those with diabetes, obesity, high triglycerides, or family history of heart disease. It's also valuable for monitoring the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy and for health-conscious individuals seeking preventive cardiovascular assessment (Mayo Clinic 2024).
When should I order this test?
Order the Lipid Panel with Non-HDL for annual cardiovascular risk screening, before starting lipid-lowering treatment, during treatment to monitor effectiveness, or if you have symptoms suggesting dyslipidemia. Regular screening enables earlier intervention and reduces cardiovascular events (AHA 2023).
How do I interpret the results?
Non-HDL cholesterol is more predictive of heart disease risk than LDL alone, especially when triglycerides are elevated.
Non-HDL Cholesterol:
- Desirable: < 130 mg/dL
- Borderline: 130–159 mg/dL
- High Risk: ≥ 160 mg/dL
Total Cholesterol:
- Desirable: < 200 mg/dL
- Borderline: 200–239 mg/dL
- High Risk: ≥ 240 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol:
- Desirable: < 100 mg/dL
- Borderline: 100–129 mg/dL
- High Risk: ≥ 160 mg/dL
HDL Cholesterol:
- Desirable: ≥ 60 mg/dL
- Borderline: 40–59 mg/dL
- High Risk: < 40 mg/dL
Triglycerides:
- Desirable: < 150 mg/dL
- Borderline: 150–199 mg/dL
- High Risk: ≥ 200 mg/dL
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fasting is not mandatory, but avoid heavy meals and alcohol for 24 hours before testing to minimize variation. Wear comfortable clothing with easily accessible arms. Continue taking regular medications unless otherwise advised. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise immediately before your appointment.
How often should I get tested?
- Routine screening (no risk factors): Every 2 years or as advised
- Family history of heart disease: Every 1–2 years
- Monitoring lipid-lowering therapy: Every 6–12 weeks after starting, then annually
- Diabetes or metabolic syndrome: Every 1–2 years
- Abnormal previous results: As recommended by your healthcare provider
Why early detection matters
Early detection of elevated cholesterol enables timely intervention—whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or closer monitoring—before atherosclerosis and plaque buildup begin. Routine lipid panel screening including non-HDL significantly reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by catching risk factors years before symptoms appear (AHA 2023).
Related tests you may consider
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) — Provides insight into the number of atherogenic particles, enhancing cardiovascular risk stratification.
Lipoprotein(a) Test — Evaluates genetic risk factors for premature heart disease.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) — Assesses inflammation linked to cardiovascular risk.
