Lipid Panel

Laboratory Fee Schedule
Procedure #: BZZ0022A
CPT: 80061

Synonym(s): Cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Requisition Form G-1B, G-THSTEPS
Test Description The quantitation of lipids in human serum is used to determine the risk of coronary heart disease.
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required N/A
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Human
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
  • Preferred: Serum from a red top tube transferred to a transport tube
  • Acceptable: Serum from a centrifuged gold top serum separator tube.
Minimum Volume/Size Required 1mL serum
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
  • Collect blood in red top or gold top tube.
  • Gently invert the tube with the blood specimen five times immediately after collection.
  • Allow to clot 30 minutes from collection. 
    Centrifuge gold top tube to separate serum from red blood cells.
  • For red top tube:  Immediately transfer serum into a transport tube. 
  • For gold top tube:  Immediately transfer serum into a transport tube if serum will be frozen.*
  • Store serum cold if testing will occur within 7 days of collection.
  • Store serum frozen if testing will occur after 7 days of collection.

NOTE: * Gold top serum separator tube cannot be frozen. Serum must be transferred to a transport tube prior to freezing.    

Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling
  • Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number)
  • Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship all specimens overnight with enough cold packs or dry ice to maintain specimens at proper temperature until arrival at DSHS Laboratory.
  • Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.
  • Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions
  • Ship triple-contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents
  • Ship Monday-Thursday; avoid weekend Friday and weekend deliveries.
  • Ship cold specimens overnight on ice packs if arriving at laboratory within 7 days from collection.
  • Ship frozen specimens overnight on dry ice or on ice packs.   
  • Specimens must be received cold/frozen by the laboratory.
  • Consider freezing serum transport tubes prior to shipping during high temperature months.
Method Quantitative enzymatic
Turn-around Time 4-5 working days after receipt of specimen
Interferences/Limitations Lipemia, turbidity, icterus, hemolysis, metamizole, N-acetyl cysteine, triglyceride value >1000 mg/dL.
Common Causes for Rejection
  • Two patient-specific identifiers not met
  • Specimen received at ambient temperature due to inadequate/no ice packs.
  • Specimen unsuitable for testing
  • Specimen was received at improper temperature
  • No specimen included with submission form. 
  • Submission form not included with specimen. 
  • Specimen tube broken/leaked in transit. 
  • Demographic information is missing or incorrect. 
  • Specimen identification is missing or incorrect.
  • Whole blood was received. 
  • Hemolysis
  • Specimen is collected in an expired blood collection tube. 
  • No test specified.
  • Red top tubes have not had serum poured over to a transport tube.
  • Frozen gold top tubes.
Additional Information

Reference Range:

Cholesterol:

  • Children/adolescents (<20 years): <170 mg/dL
  • Young adults (20-24 years): <190 mg/dL
  • Adults: <200 mg/d

HDL

  • Children/adolescents (<20 years): >45 mg/dL
  • Young adults (20-24 years): >45 mg/dL
  • Adults: 40 - 59 mg/dL

LDL:

  • Children/adolescents (<20 years): <110 mg/dL
  • Young adults (20-24 years): <120 mg/dL
  • Adults: <130 mg/dL

Triglyceride:

  • Children (0-9 years): <75 mg/dL
  • Adolescents (10-19 years): <90 mg/dL
  • Young adults (20-24 years): <115 mg/dL
  • Adults: <150 mg/dL

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