During the test
This test is usually performed in a clinic, doctor's office, or laboratory. The process takes less than 10 minutes.
If you were asked to fast, this test will most likely be done in the morning. A technician or nurse will wrap a rubber band around your upper arm to make your veins more visible. Then he or she will clean the needle site with alcohol and insert a needle into the vein and draw blood into a vial. The elastic band will be removed. Once enough blood is drawn, the needle will be removed and a gauze or cotton pad will be put on the needle site to stop the bleeding.
You may or may not feel a slight pinch from the needle.
After the test
You can resume to your normal daily activities after the test.
Your blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis and a report will be generated and forwarded to your primary care physician, who will then discuss the results with you. Ask your doctor when you can expect your test results to be made available.
Your target cholesterol will vary depending on your risk factors for heart disease. If your cholesterol level is found to be high, your doctor may repeat the test a few times before making a diagnosis and starting you on lipid medications.