Plasma
Fluid
Adult patient:
Heparin gel tube
Minimum blood volume: 5 mL
Plain bottle
Minimum volume: 10 mL
Paediatric patient:
Paediatric heparin tube
Number of vials: 1
Minimum blood volume: 1.3 mL
Authorisation code required
No
No
24 Hr available service
Yes
(Call extension: 3353 for express result)
No
Method
Spectrophotometry
Reference interval
Plasma:
For adults (≥ 18 years):
Desirable levels:
| Fasting | Non-fasting | |
| Cholesterol | < 5.0 | < 5.0 |
| HDL Cholesterol | > 1.0 | > 1.0 |
| Triglycerides | < 1.7 | < 2.0 |
| LDL Cholesterol | < 3.0 | < 3.0 |
| Non HDL Cholesterol | < 3.8 | < 3.9 |
Treatment goals based on total cardiovascular disease risk assessment:
| Moderate | High | Very High | |
| LDL Cholesterol | < 3.0 | < 2.5 | < 1.8 |
| Non HDL Cholesterol | < 3.8 | < 3.3 | < 2.6 |
The reference intervals were adopted from ESC/EAS/EFLC 2016 (Eur Heart J. 2016:37:1944-58. 2999-3058)
For paediatric patients (<18 years):
| Low | Borderline Low | Acceptable | Borderline High | High | |
| Cholesterol | < 4.4 | 4.4 - 5.1 | ≥ 5.2 | ||
| HDL Cholesterol | < 1.0 | 1.0 - 1.2 | > 1.2 | ||
| Triglycerides (0 - 9 years) | < 0.8 | 0.8 - 1.1 | > 1.1 | ||
| Triglycerides (10 -18 years) | < 1.0 | 1.0 - 1.5 | > 1.5 | ||
| LDL Cholesterol | < 2.8 | 2.8 - 3.3 | ≥ 3.4 | ||
| Non HDL Cholesterol | < 3.1 | 3.1 - 3.7 | > 3.7 |
The reference intervals were adopted from NCEP/NHLBI 2011 (Pediatrics. 2011:128 Suppl 5:S213-256)
Pleural fluid for chylothorax discrimination criteria:
Suggestive of Chylothorax if:
- fluid TC / plasma TC < 1.0; AND
- fluid TG / plasma TG > 1.0; AND
- fluid TG concentration > 1.25 mmol/L
Reference: Romero S et al. Chest 1998; 114; 154 - 59
Clinical indication
Assessment of lipid status, especially in patients at high risk of developing hyperlipidaemia, e.g. diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism
Used in the calculation of LDL cholesterol by the Friedewald formula.
Result interpretation
Increased levels seen in primary hypertriglyceridaemic states, and secondary to nephrotic syndrome, hypothyroidism, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, oral contraceptive use or corticosteroid medication.
Now generally accepted as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Measurement of uncertainty
Frequency of measurement
Daily