Ulta Lab Tests

Advanced Cholesterol Lab Panel

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Apolipoprotein B

Also known as: Lipid Panel with Ratios (fasting), Lipid Profile with Ratios (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

LDL/HDL Ratio

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Also known as: Lipoprotein A, Lp (a), Lp(a)

Lipoprotein (A)

Lipoprotein-a, or Lp(a) are molecules made of proteins and fat. They carry cholesterol and similar substances through the blood. A high level of Lp(a) is considered a risk factor for heart disease. High levels of lipoproteins can increase the risk of heart disease. The test is done to check your risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

Also known as: Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility , HDL Subfractions, IDL Subfractions, LDL Subfractions, Lipoprotein Fraction, Lipoprotein Fractionation, Lipoprotein Fractionation Ion Mobility Cardio IQ, Quest Diagnostics has replaced the VAP® Cholesterol Test with Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ™ test

HDL Large

LDL Medium

LDL Particle Number

LDL Pattern

LDL Peak Size

LDL Small

*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Advanced Cholesterol Lab Panel panel contains 4 tests with 15 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The Advanced Cholesterol Lab Panel is an extensive set of tests designed to provide a detailed profile of a person's cholesterol and lipoprotein levels. Unlike basic cholesterol tests, this advanced panel includes measurements of specific types of cholesterol particles, ratios, and additional markers that offer a deeper insight into cardiovascular health. The tests in this panel include Apolipoprotein B, Cholesterol/HDLC Ratio, Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, LDL/HDL Ratio, Non-HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Lipoprotein (a), HDL Large, LDL Medium, LDL Particle Number, LDL Pattern, LDL Peak Size, and LDL Small.

Collection Method: Blood Draw 

Specimen Type: Serum 

Test Preparation: Fasting for at least 12 hours is required.

When and Why the Advanced Cholesterol Lab Panel May Be Ordered

This panel may be ordered for individuals with a family history of heart disease, those with existing cardiovascular conditions, or individuals whose basic lipid panel results were abnormal and require further investigation. It's particularly useful for assessing the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular diseases. Healthcare providers might also order it for patients undergoing treatment for high cholesterol to monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

What the Advanced Cholesterol Lab Panel Checks For

Each test within the panel provides specific information about cardiovascular health:

  • Apolipoprotein B: A primary protein in LDL cholesterol, indicating the number of potentially atherogenic particles.
  • Cholesterol/HDLC Ratio: Calculates the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, providing insight into the balance of 'good' versus 'bad' cholesterol.
  • Total Cholesterol: Measures the overall level of cholesterol in the blood, including LDL, HDL, and VLDL.
  • HDL Cholesterol: Measures 'good' cholesterol, which helps remove 'bad' cholesterol from the arteries.
  • LDL Cholesterol: Calculates 'bad' cholesterol levels, high levels of which can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
  • LDL/HDL Ratio: Compares the levels of 'bad' cholesterol to 'good' cholesterol.
  • Non-HDL Cholesterol: Represents all the bad forms of cholesterol, including LDL and VLDL.
  • Triglycerides: Measures the most common type of fat in the body, high levels of which can increase heart disease risk.
  • Lipoprotein (a): A genetic variant of LDL cholesterol linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • HDL Large: Indicates the amount of large, buoyant HDL particles, which are considered protective against heart disease.
  • LDL Medium, LDL Small: These sizes of LDL particles can penetrate the arterial wall more easily, potentially leading to plaque formation.
  • LDL Particle Number: Reflects the total number of LDL particles, a higher count can mean higher cardiovascular risk.
  • LDL Pattern: Indicates the predominance of small, dense LDL particles, associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis.
  • LDL Peak Size: Measures the average size of LDL particles; smaller, denser particles are associated with a higher risk.

Conditions and Diseases Detected by the Advanced Cholesterol Lab Panel

This panel can help detect and assess the risk of various conditions:

  • Atherosclerosis: Characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries, it can be indicated by high levels of LDL, small dense LDL particles, and Lipoprotein (a).
  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): High levels of LDL, Apolipoprotein B, and low HDL can signal an increased risk of CAD.
  • Metabolic Syndrome: High triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and high non-HDL cholesterol are markers for this condition, which increases the risk of heart disease.
  • Heart Attack and Stroke Risk: Elevated Lipoprotein (a) and high LDL particle number can indicate an increased risk of these events.

Using the Advanced Cholesterol Lab Panel Results in Clinical Practice

Healthcare professionals use these results to:

  • Tailor Treatment for Atherosclerosis and CAD: By targeting specific lipoprotein imbalances with dietary changes, exercise, and medications like statins or niacin.
  • Manage Metabolic Syndrome: Through lifestyle modifications and possibly medication to address high triglycerides and low HDL levels.
  • Assess Heart Attack and Stroke Risk: By potentially adding antiplatelet medications for individuals with high Lipoprotein (a) or altering therapy to reduce LDL particle number.

The Advanced Cholesterol Lab Panel offers a comprehensive view of an individual's lipid profile, going beyond traditional cholesterol tests to provide a more detailed assessment of cardiovascular risk. The insights gained from this panel enable healthcare providers to develop more targeted and effective treatment strategies, ultimately aiding in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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