Lipid Profile - 2 (Mini : Fasting), Serum

What Is a Lipid Profile Test?

A lipid profile test is a blood test that measures different types of fats (lipids) in your blood, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. These measurements help evaluate your heart health and determine your risk for conditions like heart attack, stroke, or atherosclerosis (artery blockage).

The test checks for both “good” cholesterol (HDL) and “bad” cholesterol (LDL and VLDL), along with triglyceride levels. A balanced lipid profile indicates a healthy cardiovascular system, while abnormalities may signal increased risk of heart disease.

The test is done using a blood sample collected after an overnight fast.

What Does a Lipid Profile Test Measure?

• Total Cholesterol: Reflects the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
• LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol): Higher levels increase the risk of plaque build-up in arteries.
• HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol): Helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Triglycerides: Measure the fat content in your blood, linked with obesity and metabolic disorders.
• VLDL Cholesterol: Transports triglycerides and contributes to arterial plaque.
• Non-HDL Cholesterol: Represents all “bad” forms of cholesterol combined (LDL + VLDL).
• LDL/HDL Ratio: Indicates the balance between good and bad cholesterol.
• Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: Used to predict cardiovascular risk more precisely.

Lipid Profile Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done

What Symptoms May Call for a Lipid Profile Test?

Your doctor may recommend a lipid profile test if you have:

• Chest pain or tightness suggestive of heart problems
• Unexplained fatigue or dizziness
• Obesity or weight gain around the abdomen
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Family history of heart disease or stroke

Who Should Get a Lipid Profile Test?

• Adults over 35 years for routine health check-ups
• People with diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders
• Individuals with sedentary lifestyles or unhealthy eating habits
• Smokers and heavy alcohol consumers
• Patients under treatment with statins or lipid-lowering medicines

Why Is a Lipid Profile Test Done?

• The lipid profile test helps identify abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels early, enabling you and your doctor to take steps to lower your cardiovascular risk and improve your long-term health.

Importance of a Lipid Profile Test

• Detect high cholesterol or triglycerides before symptoms develop
• Evaluate your risk for heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis
• Monitor the effectiveness of diet, exercise, or medication
• Support early lifestyle changes to protect your heart health
• Guide treatment plans for those on cholesterol-lowering therapy

Lipid Profile Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book the Lipid Profile Test and Get Your Reports

1. Simple Online Booking
   Book your lipid profile test through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Choose your time slot and location for home collection or visit your nearest Metropolis Lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists collect your fasting blood sample safely and hygienically at your doorstep.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay updated on every stage of your test process via the Metropolis Healthcare app or website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is analysed at NABL & CAP accredited laboratories using advanced technology and quality control methods.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Get your results quickly through email, WhatsApp, or download them from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for Lipid Profile Test Available Near You?

Yes. Metropolis Healthcare offers convenient home collection for lipid profile tests. Our certified phlebotomists ensure safe and timely fasting blood collection at your preferred time, saving you the hassle of visiting a lab.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Lipid Profile Test Report?

Reports are usually available within 4 hours once your sample reaches the laboratory.
Note: Reporting time may vary based on your location.

Where Can I See or Get Lipid Profile Test Results?

Your lipid profile test results can be easily accessed through multiple channels. You can log in to the Metropolis Healthcare website or app to download your report, or receive it directly via email or WhatsApp. Printed copies can also be collected from your nearest Metropolis Lab.

Interpreting Lipid Profile Test Results

What Your Lipid Profile Test Results May Indicate

Reference ranges as per National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines.
 

Understanding Abnormal Lipid Profile Test Results by Parameter

How Should You Prepare for a Lipid Profile Test?

• Fasting required: Do not eat or drink anything except water for 12–14 hours before the test.
• Avoid alcohol: Refrain from alcohol for at least 24 hours before sample collection.
• Continue regular medications: Unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
• Inform your doctor: Share details of all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you take.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plain water to avoid dehydration during fasting.
• Avoid heavy exercise: Do not engage in strenuous physical activity before the test.

How Is a Lipid Profile Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)

• Preparation: You will be asked to fast overnight for 12–14 hours.
• Cleaning: The skin over your vein is cleaned with antiseptic.
• Blood Draw: A sterile needle is used to collect blood from your arm.
• Sample Collection: Around 5 ml of blood is taken in a gel vacutainer.
• Completion: The needle is removed, and a bandage is applied.
• Processing: The sample is analysed using advanced biochemical methods to measure lipid levels accurately.

Conditions That May Affect Lipid Profile Test Accuracy

Certain factors can affect the accuracy of your lipid profile test results:

• Recent food intake: Eating before the test can raise triglyceride levels.
• Alcohol consumption: Can increase triglycerides and affect HDL levels.
• Certain medications: Steroids, diuretics, and beta-blockers can influence cholesterol values.
• Illness or infection: Temporary increases in lipid levels can occur during acute illness.
• Pregnancy: Naturally lowers cholesterol and triglyceride readings.
• Stress and lack of sleep: May affect lipid metabolism temporarily.

Diseases That a Lipid Profile Test Can Help Detect

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries)
• Hyperlipidaemia (high cholesterol)
• Metabolic syndrome
• Pancreatitis (from very high triglycerides)
• Diabetes-related lipid disorders
• Obesity and thyroid-related lipid changes

References

1. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel. (2002). Third Report of the NCEP Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). JAMA, 285(19), 2486–2497. PMID: 11368702
2. Stone N.J., Robinson J.G., Lichtenstein A.H., et al. (2014). 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults. Circulation, 129(25 Suppl 2), S1–S45. PMID: 24222016
3. Nordestgaard B.G., Langsted A., Mora S., et al. (2016). Fasting is not routinely required for determination of a lipid profile. Eur Heart J, 37(25), 1944–1958. PMID: 27122601
4. Catapano A.L., Graham I., De Backer G., et al. (2016). ESC/EAS Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias. Eur Heart J, 37(39), 2999–3058. PMID: 27567407