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Test Code LAB18 Lipid Panel

Important Note

It is preferred that patients fast prior to lipids testing. However, lipids testing may be performed on specimens obtained from non-fasting patients as directed by their care provider. If necessary, contact the provider to determine if a non-fasting order may be placed. When placing a non-fasting order, answer "No" to the question prompt "Has the patient been fasting for 12 hours or more?"

Additional Codes

CPT Code: 80061

Methodology

Profile Information:
Calculated Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
Cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Triglycerides

Performing Laboratory

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional - Core Laboratory: Chemistry

Specimen Requirements

Patient Preparation

1. The patient should be on a habitual diet.

2. The patient should be off medications unless it is clinically inappropriate to discontinue them.

3. The patient cannot have an intravenous line in place.
4. For fasting orders, the patient must fast for 12 to 16 hours prior to the test. It is acceptable for the patient to consume up to 6 ounces of filtered coffee with or without creamer and sugar within 1 hour of lipid analysis.

 

Specimen Collection

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Plasma
Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube from a fasting patient. Spin down and send 2 mL of lithium heparin plasma.
Note: 1. Indicate plasma.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

 

Serum
Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube from a fasting patient. Spin down and send 2 mL of serum.

Note: 1. Indicate serum.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Reference Values

See individual test listings in this catalog for: Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides.

Note

LDL is calculated as part of a lipid panel as long as the triglycerides are less than or equal to 800 mg/dL. Above 800 mg/dL, the LDL is not calculated due to potential inaccuracy when triglycerides are elevated. Instead, a reflex order is placed for directly measured LDL.