Lipid Screen Serum Test – Measure You Cholesterol Levels

You may have already heard about the lipid screen serum test or what is also known as a lipid panel test. This lipid cholesterol test or lipid screening test helps in the determination of your lipid profile screening results, i.e., helping in the determination of your specific cholesterol levels via a blood test.

Cholesterol is the sticky and soft element within the body and overall cholesterol is crafted of three components, namely triglycerides (a specific fat type), LDL or bad cholesterol and HDL or good cholesterol. The lipid panel test is vital since cholesterol may otherwise lead to clogging of the arteries. It may also lead to strokes and possible heart ailments in the bargain. 

Knowing More About the Lipid Screen Serum Test

The lipid screening test is a specific blood test which may be executed at the office of the doctor, hospital or laboratory. A laboratory technician or nurse may insert a needle within the vein in the arms with an aim towards collection of a smaller blood sample.

The blood may sometimes be taken via a finger prick as well. This will be put into the tube and sent for testing to the diagnostic center or laboratory. The results will then be dispatched to the doctor who will inform you about the same. The test may be done any time in the day without any specific instructions. 

Tests Contained Within the Lipid Panel

The lipid cholesterol test contains many sub-tests within the entire lipid panel or lipid profile screening exercise. They include the following:

1. Total Cholesterol Test

This calculates the total levels of cholesterol, namely the fusion of HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C. 

2. LDL Cholesterol

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are checked since this is called the bad cholesterol and may accumulate in the blood vessels as well, greatly enhancing the risks of cardiovascular ailments. 

3. VLDL Cholesterol (very low-density lipoprotein)

 It is a specific kind of cholesterol which is normally contained in lower amounts. This happens when your blood sample is a fasting sample, coming majorly from food items which you have consumed recently. Any increase in this cholesterol type in the fasting sample may indicate something called abnormal lipid metabolism. 

4. HDL Cholesterol

 High density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol levels are mapped since this is the cholesterol type which is good cholesterol. It helps in the lower accumulation of LDL within the blood vessels. 

5. Triglycerides

They are specific fats which come from daily food items which are consumed by people. Excessive triglyceride amounts in the blood are linked to risks like pancreatic inflammation and cardiovascular ailments. 

Some Points Worth Noting

• The doctor will make use of lipid panel results for the calculation of what they call the ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) risk score. It indicates whether someone has low or higher risks for heart ailments. 
• If the risk score is on the higher side, then the doctor will prescribe lifestyle and dietary modifications along with medication for reducing your cholesterol levels. 
• Statins are a medicine category which is prescribed commonly for reducing cholesterol levels. 
• Healthy adult individuals should ideally get their very first lipid screening test done at 40 years of age as per experts. They may go for the test even earlier if they suffer from heart ailments and diabetes and also if they are smokers. 
• The test will have individual results indicating both bad and good cholesterol levels along with triglycerides. 
• Good cholesterol levels should ideally be around 40-60 mg/dL. These may be enhanced via a healthy diet and a proper exercise regimen. 
• Bad cholesterol levels should ideally be around 100 mg/dL which is normal. From 100-129 it is regarded as near normal while 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high. More than 190 mg/dL is high. Anything between 70-189 mg/dL will be high for those in the 40-75 age bracket with diabetes, heart ailments or both. 
• Triglyceride levels should stay around 150 mg/dL and anything in the 150-199 mg/dL bracket is borderline high. 200-499 mg/dL is high and higher than 500 mg/dL is very high. A diet that is high in carbohydrates and low in proteins may impact triglycerides along with liver damage, underactive thyroid conditions, Nephrotic syndromes, specific medication, genetics and diabetes which is not controlled. Treatment fuses a healthy dietary regime with prescription medication and an exercise regime. Results higher than 500 mg/dL may lead to higher pancreatitis risks as well. 

Things That You Should Keep in Mind

• There could be some pain at the time of the blood test, with the insertion of the needle. A bruise may also develop at the site after the test is done. 
• If someone is dehydrated, then it may be tough to discover a suitable vein for the test in question. You should drink sufficient water for 1-2 days prior to the test. 
• Those suffering any heart attacks, infections, surgeries, pregnancy or injuries should wait for at least a couple of months before checking their cholesterol levels. 
• You should always ask your doctor about the risks of the lipid panel test, impact on the same due to flu/cold, prescription medicines to be consumed prior to the test, results, preparation for the test with specific allergies like latex allergies and also eating habits in this relation.